Coronavirus Information

Missouri S&T continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and take appropriate action when necessary. At this time, no confirmed cases have been reported on the Missouri S&T campus or in Rolla.

For updates by phone, call 573-341-6463.

Latest updates

March 13, 2020 – Missouri S&T, UM System universities suspend in-person classes for spring semester

All classes to be taught remotely while universities remain open

University of Missouri System officials announced today that all four universities will conduct remote courses for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, extending the recently announced suspension of in-person classes.

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  • All courses will be online for the remainder of the semester, effective Monday, March 16. View tips on teaching and working remotely.
  • Residence halls remain open. However, to access the halls, students must register their plans to remain on campus by noon on Tuesday, March 17 using this online form. Students who have not registered will have their access to the residence halls removed at noon on March 18.
  • University-related travel, both international and domestic, is suspended, effective immediately and until further notice.
  • Events of more than 50 people scheduled to take place at S&T are canceled through April 30.
  • University-sponsored St. Pat’s activities scheduled for March 12-14 are canceled.
View Past Updates

Prevent the spread of respiratory disease

Video: Coronavirus Health and Safety Tips

To prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends you:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Additional information

Important information for prospective travelers

University-related travel. All university-related international and domestic travel is suspended until further notice. Any students, faculty or staff currently traveling outside the United States should contact International Affairs for guidance on returning to the U.S. and campus. This includes any international or domestic travel supported through university funds, external grants or other sources, such as endowments or gift funds. This suspension of travel pertains to all conference travel, student organization trips, university-sponsored Spring Break trips, intercollegiate athletic events, club sport events, student design team events, or any other travel affiliated with Missouri S&T.

Personal travel. For the continued well-being and safety of the S&T community, we strongly discourage personal travel, internationally or domestically, particularly to or through domestic or international locations under a travel restriction. This includes all international travel as well as travel to areas of the United States where a state of emergency has been declared.

  • Domestic (U.S.) travel. Any student, faculty member or staff member who travels to or through an area of the United States that is under a state of emergency is allowed to return to work unless 1.) they come into contact with someone under investigation for exposure or 2.) they are exhibiting signs of illness.

If any symptoms exist, students should contact Student Health Services (573-341-4284 or mstshs@mst.edu) or their personal health care provider. Faculty and staff should contact their personal health care provider.

The list of affected countries and the warning level is dynamic. Please monitor developments through the State Department and CDC websites.

Information for returning travelers

Any students, faculty or staff currently traveling outside the United States should contact International Affairs for guidance on returning to the U.S. and campus. For additional information on how to gauge your risk of COVID-19 infection, see the CDC’s risk assessment guidance.

What to do if you are sick

The situation is rapidly evolving and recommendations from the CDC and the U.S. Department of State change daily. Members of the S&T community are encouraged to monitor the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites.

Those who believe they may have been exposed to or infected with the novel coronavirus should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a clinic, doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Students can access the S&T Student Health Center or visit a local hospital. Faculty and staff members who experience symptoms should contact their primary care provider to discuss symptoms and travel history. Managers should encourage employees who are sick to stay home.

The CDC has issued information regarding symptomsprevention and treatment, as well as frequently asked questions and answers.

Preventing illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

CDC guidance for higher education institutions

The CDC has issued guidance for higher education institutions to help college and university officials “prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students, staff, and faculty.”

Departments on campus are encouraged to develop business continuity plans to address potential impacts and coping strategies for increased employee absenteeism and cancellation or closure of services and events.

Preventing illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

UM System teaching resources

The University of Missouri System has posted a teaching resources website to help faculty maintain teaching continuity and uninterrupted learning in the event of a campus closure.