March 11, 2020
While no cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported at UCF, the university continues monitoring the virus’ spread and evaluating the many impacts it may have on our campus community.
UCF is developing plans for modified operations should Coronavirus more directly impact the university. Campus is not expected to close. Essential campus operations would continue, with remote work and online class options should conditions require.
University officials continue to meet regularly on prevention efforts and planning for UCF using updated guidance from our state and federal health partners. Keeping our campus community safe and informed is our top priority.
Information and other resources will continue to be shared on UCF’s Coronavirus website, which will be updated as COVID-19 evolves or more directly impacts the university.
University Travel
In keeping with federal guidance, UCF has added Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea and Turkmenistan to its restricted destinations. All study abroad and university travel to these countries has been canceled, and we anticipate more countries will be added to this list as the virus spreads.
Because of that and out an abundance of caution, UCF is canceling all study abroad trips planned through the summer semester.
The Florida Department of Health advises that anyone returning from a country that has a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Level 3 Travel Health Notice self-quarantines for 14 days upon return. If you have returned from one of these countries in the past two weeks — or will soon be returning from one of these countries, please immediately contact Student Health Services at 407-823-2509.
Event Guidance
While the campus’ operations remain normal, we are closely monitoring state guidance as it relates to event cancelations. We encourage you to consider alternatives to face-to-face meetings, such as livestreaming, for in-person events.
Other factors to consider based on the CDC’s guidance are:
- Necessity of event;
- attendance size and whether a significant number of participants are expected to travel to or from the region for this event;
- the age and health of expected attendees, particularly older individuals; and
- financial impact of cancelation and contract obligations.
Questions about the necessity of events should be directed to your dean or vice president.
As public health guidance evolves, the university may postpone or cancel upcoming events in prioritizing health and wellbeing. University officials also are reviewing existing upcoming events that have registered using the SAFE form and may be reaching out to event organizers with additional questions or guidance.
Courses and Academic Activities
While there are no immediate plans to move all courses online because of COVID-19, the university has been making plans if it is necessary to do so.
Faculty are receiving instructions and resources for shifting their coursework online. If this were to occur, the university community would immediately be notified of the change. Students would be expected to work directly with their faculty members to continue their studies.
Finally, we appreciate our campus community’s commitment to supporting each other during this time.
We understand that this situation can be stressful and these decisions have far-reaching impacts. We also know that we must do what is in the best interest of keeping all Knights safe, and we’ll continue to share precautionary measures and updates with you.
Dr. Michael Deichen, MD, MPH
Associate Vice President of UCF Student Health Services