2020 2020: March 4th message from Chancellor Johnson on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)

Chancellor Johnson shares updates on the latest coronavirus planning and procedures

Dear campus community,

As we continue to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), I want to share a few updates.

As before, there have been no cases at UMass Dartmouth. We remain in contact with our international partner organizations, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure we are fully informed on conditions both domestic and abroad.

As we monitor the situation, we are proactively planning for all future scenarios to ensure that we are prepared for what may come and that we can react to the needs of our community as quickly as possible. I expect that the days and weeks ahead may be challenging. I am asking that we all support one another and our community. You will hear more about these plans and the part you play in our collective efforts to maintain a consistent, safe atmosphere for everyone to learn, work, and thrive.

As spring break approaches and some of you plan to travel, we recommend evaluating travel plans on a daily basis in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines. At this time, the CDC has placed Level 3 (Avoid All Nonessential Travel) warnings on travel to South Korea, Italy, China, and Iran. The University does not recommend visiting these countries.

Whether you are traveling domestically or abroad for personal or business reasons, we ask that you log your trip through our travel registry system Terra Dotta. Once registered, you will have access to information, resources, and notifications specific to your travel destination. Registering your plans allows the University to provide assistance in the event your location experiences worsening conditions.

In addition, one of the most important actions you can take is to stay home if you develop flu-like symptoms and immediately contact your primary care doctor or appropriate healthcare provider. Human Resources will work with supervisors on procedures in the event of absences.

For general questions or comments about coronavirus, please call Student Health Services at 508.999.8982 and stay up to date with UMass Dartmouth’s proactive approach by visiting our Coronavirus Updates page.

There are many unknowns right now and that may seem daunting, but we will get through this together.

With gratitude,

Robert E. Johnson, Ph.D.

Chancellor