HOUSTON — A small group of students and employees at Rice University have been asked to self-quarantine because of an employee's possible exposure to the Wuhan Coronavirus during overseas travel, according to university officials.
A Rice University press release states that the employee's travel was not on the CDC's restricted travel list and the university's Crisis Management Advisory Committee made the decision Saturday out of an abundance of caution.
The university is working closely with and at the guidance of the Harris County Public Health.
HCPH says they are investigating and making sure the person from Rice who traveled overseas meets the requirements needed for coronavirus testing. They are working closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Meanwhile the Houston health department says they are currently waiting for test kits and guidance from the CDC.
They say the current test kits the CDC sent are not approved for “confirmatory testing”. They hope to receive those kits from the CDC by the end of the week.
At this time, the university is not planning to suspend campus operations, events or classes.
Students are asked to please contact Student Health Services if they are sick.
Additionally, as a precaution, Rice University is also requiring everyone in the Rice community who travels outside the U.S. to register their travel at this website.
For the latest KHOU 11 coverage on the coronavirus, text 'VIRUS' to 713-526-1111 or visit KHOU.com/coronavirus.