Statement from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture on Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19

View our March 17th statement

March 13, 2020

We understand the uneasiness Arkansans may be feeling about the spread of the novel coronavirus globally, especially with news of presumptive positive cases in Arkansas.

At the Division of Agriculture, in addition to our quality programs, the safety of our faculty, staff and the clientele with whom we work is a top priority. We have:

• Restricted faculty business travel to countries designated Levels 3 and 4 by the U.S. State Department and Level 3 by the federal Centers for Disease Control.
• Restricted non-essential international and out-of-state business travel for 60 days beginning March 12.
• Asked employees returning from out-of-state to follow CDC guidance.

In addition, visits to Division of Agriculture facilities from out-of-state guests have been either changed to web-conference or other remote-connection method or will be rescheduled.

For information about specific events related to Division of Agriculture personnel or facilities, please contact the organizer.

As an institution of higher education, we are also in a unique position to disseminate practices  proven to stem the spread of disease. Our Cooperative Extension Service will be working to underscore messaging from the CDC and the Arkansas Department of Health to prevent spread of this virus and other illnesses, as well as misinformation and misconceptions about the novel coronavirus.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Arkansas Department of Health at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus or the CDC online. 

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. 

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