Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear campus community,
The University emergency response team (ERT) continues to monitor and assess our institutional planning related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The University ERT is meeting frequently to discuss our supplies, procedures, and readiness to respond to the various scenarios that may occur in the weeks ahead.
Over the weekend, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) raised Italy to Level 3 Travel Warning, and as such, RWU has suspended its study abroad program with ISI Florence and has begun the process of returning students home. The University has made arrangements with ISI Florence to allow our students to complete their coursework online.
In this rapidly evolving situation, the University is doing its part to be prepared, being mindful of both of our campuses, along with the various locations our students, faculty, and staff are currently or may be traveling or learning abroad in the weeks and months ahead.
We continue to encourage all members of the university community to do their part to practice smart personal choices and judgment. We have reattached a CDC flyer recommending the personal prevention measures that all RWU community members should employ. In the weeks ahead, you will see this flyer distributed and posted in various campus locations and displayed on campus monitors as a reminder to us all.
Beyond practicing these individual behaviors that help prevent the spread of flu and other similar viruses, there are two important updates for us to share at this time:
- With spring break beginning on March 7, we realize that some university members may have plans for international travel. At this time, Roger Williams University strongly advises against international travel due to the widening outbreak of COVID-19. Many countries could implement new entry and exit controls measures or quarantines with very little notice. If you do travel, please use caution in choosing your destination and monitor travel advisories from the U.S. Department of Health and CDC, especially avoiding travel to or through countries affected by current reported outbreaks.
- Additionally, we request all University faculty, staff, and students take the time to update their phone number and contact information in ROGER CENTRAL. The University will continue to use the RAVE texting system as a primary means of communication for urgent and emergency communications including updates related to COVID-19. Please make sure your cell phone number is accurate or add it to our records if you have not provided it previously.
RWU will continue to keep you updated on COVID-19 developments. Our thoughts are with the students, faculty and staff who have family and other connections to the regions affected by this situation.
Thank you,
RWU Emergency Response Team
For up-to-date RWU campus advisories:
https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/student-life/health-and-counseling/health-services/health-advisories
For Rhode Island COVID-19 information, please visit:
https://health.ri.gov/diseases/respiratory/?parm=163
For updates on national health advisories, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
