Dear KAUST community,

The CMT and the EOC established in response to the COVID-19 crisis continue to take action and wish to provide the following updates.

The current number of positive cases identified on campus remains at seven. 

These are the items that we wish to update you on today.

KAUST cases

The one remaining positive case in Jeddah is awaiting a MOH test result. The person has had one negative test; prior to discharge, two consecutive negative test results are required. We are keeping in touch and monitoring progress.

Jeddah hospital bus schedule

To better accommodate the community members who rely on the bus service to hospitals in Jeddah, the schedule has been modified. Effective March 31, the DSFH/IMC schedule is as follows: 

Departure from KAUST	Return from IMC	Return from DSFH
08:00 a.m.	01:00 p.m.	01:15 p.m.
10:00 a.m.	03:00 p.m.	03:15 p.m.
02:00 p.m.	07:00 p.m.	07:15 p.m.
04:00 p.m.	09:00 p.m.	09:15 p.m.

Please remember that anyone using the Jeddah hospital buses will be required to show an appointment confirmation at Gate 1. Upon return to KAUST, quarantine will apply to the bus users as well as to anyone in their household. 

KAUST research and COVID-19

Listen or tune in and learn more about what KAUST researchers have to say about the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sci-Café: COVID-19

Tune in on Wednesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. and watch Sci-Café, which will feature panelists Takashi Gojobori, David Ketcheson and Arnab Pain, with moderator Naadiya Carrim, by tuning in to the KAUST Official Facebook page or YouTube channel. 

Submit your questions in advance by writing to scicafe@kaust.edu.sa before Saturday, April 4, 2020. 

Sciencetown COVID-19 podcast

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has transited the globe, causing both disruption and calls to action for scientists and the institutions in which they work. We spoke with David Ketcheson, Xiangliang Zhang and Intikhab Alam about their work related to the COVID-19 crisis.

Listen to the interviews here. 

Social distancing reminder

Everyone has a part to play to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. With tighter controls and curfews put in place, it is vital that KAUST residents strictly observe our directives. People should be STAYING HOME and carefully abide to the following:  

• Stay with your family only
• Essential travel only within campus for food and medical appointments
• Max group size of 2 outdoors for exercise
• Keep a distance of at least 2 meters with other people wherever you go. Guiding footprint stickers for social distancing have been installed at Tamimi and in other public areas.
• Do not hold social gatherings.

Community members can engage in activities that are safe to do:

• Go for a walk, run or bike ride from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Engage in phone calls and group video chats – Learn how to set up a video call
• Do activities around your house or garden
• Additional safe activities can be found in the Virtual Community Hub

It is your responsibility to ensure that every person residing in your home—including domestic helpers, drivers or personal visitors who are staying with you—understands and adheres to the above social distancing guidelines.

Staying informed

• To stay informed about COVID-19 and the University’s efforts, visit KH.kaust.edu.sa/coronavirus.
• You can also contact our dedicated helpline by emailing CoronavirusTaskforce@kaust.edu.sa or by calling 012-808-0950 from Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Please take a look at the Virtual Community Hub for things to do during the current situation. 
• Some community facilities, services and programs are operating with adjustments. Review the complete list.
  

Once again, we’d like to thank you for your cooperation and ongoing adherence to directives. These have been designed to keep you safe and to help manage the crisis.

Chris Sealey
Vice President, Community Life