Dear Members of the University Community:
We are continuing to monitor developments regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus disease in the United States. Out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to do everything we can to keep our community healthy, to limit the introduction of COVID-19 into our campus environments, and to ensure that our health system continues to have the clinical capacity to care for those who are sick or who may become sick, the University is now restricting all University-sponsored and -supported domestic and international travel until further notice.
We know that many members of the University community are already traveling away from campus this week on Spring Break or at previously-scheduled conferences, sports team trips, and other meetings. Based on the fact that the disease appears to be spreading rapidly and more broadly, we are currently evaluating our policies for those who will be returning to campus soon. We will provide new guidance within the next 48 hours, keeping in mind that current health guidelines specify that those who may have been exposed to the virus must enter a 14-day quarantine, preferably at their permanent home residence, before returning to campus.
The clinicians, faculty, and staff of the University of Rochester Medical Center and its affiliates are preparing to care for anyone in our community who may become ill. Given that the incidence of this disease is expanding, the Medical Center has formally activated its Emergency Operations Center to ensure a high state of readiness. In addition, we expect that in about two weeks the Medical Center will be able to process physician-ordered COVID-19 tests.
The current restriction for on-campus events here in Rochester still remains in place: campus or campus-sponsored events must be limited to 100 participants or fewer until further notice, not including classes, colloquia, or other academic gatherings where participants are members of the University community. Athletic contests will go forward for the moment without spectators. Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dining facilities, dorms, and other parts of campus remain operational, although operations may be modified if new developments warrant it.
We are also putting together remote work guidelines and exploring the possibility of expanding our online instruction capacity, should we be required to—or should we decide to—implement additional social distancing practices, and will have updates on these efforts soon.
We recognize that this situation and revised guidance may create confusion and concern, and want to reassure you that we will continue to develop policies and make operational decisions making use of the most current government, medical, and scientific guidance, and with the best interests of the University community in mind. There are some things we cannot predict at this moment, for example, whether we will be able to hold the University Commencement ceremonies in May. Although we can’t predict, we can prepare, and we thank you for your understanding as we all navigate a very fluid set of circumstances.
We will continue to communicate regularly with you and keep the Coronavirus Update website current in order to keep you informed.
Note: This message was sent as an email from University Communications to the University community.