March 3, 2020
Dear fellow members of the Tulane community:
Tulane continues to follow information and expert national and international recommendations regarding the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To date, there are no known cases in New Orleans or Louisiana. In addition, there are no known cases involving our students, faculty, staff, or affiliates. Presently, the immediate health risk to the United States and to members of the Tulane community is considered low. However, the potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 globally is high, so this risk assessment to our community may change. We will keep you informed should the current level of concern alter. Our COVID-19 Emergency Operations Team has developed FAQs and updates them as needed. Please use them as a resource.
While health and safety are our primary concerns, we are also mindful of the academic burdens that students face as more travel destinations and study abroad programs are affected by the spread of the virus. Tulane is actively engaged with students whose semesters may be disrupted due to coronavirus concerns.
Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:
- It is currently flu and respiratory disease season and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
- Wash your hands often using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you’ve touched someone who is sick. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are experiencing symptoms of flu or other respiratory diseases.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you have cold and cough symptoms, make sure to cover your coughs and sneezes by using the bend of your arm (elbow) or using disposable tissues and immediately disposing of them in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you traveled somewhere and are concerned about coronavirus exposure and develop a fever, cough, or breathing issues, you should contact the Student Heath Center Nurse Advice Line at +1-504-862-8121 or After Hours +1-855-487-0290. You should indicate that you have traveled to an area with cases of the coronavirus.
Recommended Actions and Resources
- We have developed FAQs that are updated as needed that may serve as a resource for you.
- Tulane follows CDC and Department of State travel restrictions. Our current travel advisories can be found here. Please note, any country being designated with a CDC Level 3 Travel Advisory will have restricted travel.
If a country becomes designated with a Level 3 Travel Advisory the university will coordinate with travelers on university business or study in that country about their options.
- At this point, although we do not know whether the State Department Level 4 Travel Advisories for China, and Lombardy and Veneto Italy, and Iran, or the CDC Level 3 Travel Advisories for China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran will remain in place over the summer; we strongly suggest that Tulane students, faculty, or staff planning to participate in or lead organized programs of study, work, or research in those countries this summer consider alternate plans.
If you are studying abroad or traveling abroad on university business, we encourage you to follow the instructions and recommendations put forward by your host organization/local authorities regarding any precautions that support the prevention of a community outbreak.
- It is mandatory for all Tulane international travelers to have registered with Global Rescue. This is to ensure that we can locate travelers whenever necessary and offer support, including evacuation assistance, as needed.
- We are developing contingency plans for students who might be required to stay on campus this summer, including meaningful programming opportunities and housing.
- There have been many questions about future events, programs, service, and trips. Currently, our best advice is to continue business as normal. All planned activities should continue, with the knowledge that this is a rapidly changing situation; if planned travel is in an impacted area, you should consider your options should travel restrictions change.
- We are also aware that staff, post-doctoral fellows, scholars, and faculty may find their work disrupted due to travel restrictions, and we urge supervisors to be flexible and generous in establishing alternative responsibilities. We will work across the university to provide emergency relief as possible.
- Before going on spring break trips, please be sure you are aware of the risks of travel during this time. Even a country not currently experiencing an outbreak could suddenly be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus, difficulty with departure, immigration barriers in returning to the U.S., and possible quarantine or self-isolation upon arriving in the U.S. After returning from spring break, students should monitor their health.
If you traveled somewhere and are concerned about coronavirus exposure and develop a fever, cough, or breathing issues, you should contact the Student Heath Center Nurse Advice Line at +1-504-862-8121 or After Hours +1-855-487-0290. You should indicate that you have traveled to an area with cases of the coronavirus.
- Reach out to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) with any questions or concerns related to immigration status that might be affected by new travel plans.
- For employment related issues, faculty and staff should contact their HR Business Partner.
- We have developed FAQs that are updated as needed that may serve as a resource for you.
Tulane is committed to maintaining an academic community where every member can thrive in an environment that is free of all forms of discrimination. It is essential that everyone at Tulane remain supportive, respectful, and welcoming toward the members of our community who were born, lived, or traveled to the areas of the world most affected by this global issue.
As we continue to contend with the coronavirus, please know that we are thinking of you and your families, friends, and colleagues. We are committed to providing the support you need during this difficult time.
Robin Forman
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Patrick Norton
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
