August 7, 2020
As The University of Alabama prepares to welcome faculty, staff and students back to campus, a resource developed by the College of Community Health Sciences will provide up-to-date COVID-19 information to the campus community.
Members of the campus community can call 205-348-CV19 (205-348-2819) to get answers to frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 and UA’s plan and protocols.
“We wanted to create a centralized hub for communication with a consistent message and clear way to get COVID-19 answers on campus,” said Dr. Lea Yerby, associate professor and vice chair of the College’s Department of Community Medicine and Population Health. “Those who might have a common or specific question can call the hotline and we will provide an answer or direct the caller to the proper source.”
In addition to providing information related to Human Resources, Academic Affairs and UA Student Life, two nurse practitioners will be available to answer basic medical questions and refer callers to testing, self-quarantine or medical care. Operators will also be able to guide those in the UA community who test positive for COVID-19 on what they need to do regarding work, housing and other protocols.
“This has been a very confusing and difficult season for all of us,” Yerby said. “The pandemic has also placed a lot of burden on faculty and staff not trained in public health response. The new hotline is an important way to reduce confusion, have a clear UA message, meet the needs of our campus population and all of its diverse members and streamline response.”
The 205-348-CV19 hotline is operated by the College’s Institute for Rural Health Research and Department of Community Medicine and Population Health. The hotline operates daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
