To: Members of the University Community
From: Daniel Diermeier, Provost
Subject: Update on coronavirus precautions
Date: January 28, 2020
In light of updated travel advisories from the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recommend avoiding non-essential travel to China, the University of Chicago is temporarily closing our Center in Beijing and Yuen Campus in Hong Kong through February 17. A number of universities in mainland China and in Hong Kong are also closed through that date.
The University strongly discourages all travel to mainland China and Hong Kong during this period by members of the University community. Because of quarantine measures that are taking effect in China and the U.S., the University may not be able to effectively assist travelers attempting to return from China.
Programming beyond February 17 will be evaluated as the situation develops. We are working to ensure the safety of University personnel still in mainland China and Hong Kong. The University remains committed to the research, education, academic collaborations and community partnerships that our locations in Beijing and Hong Kong make possible, and we look forward to the resumption of activities as soon as conditions allow.
If you are uncertain about scheduled travel to or from mainland China or Hong Kong, or have programs or events that may be affected, please send your questions to coronavirusinfo@uchicago.edu. A number of University offices are monitoring this situation closely, including UChicago Global and the Office of Risk Management, and the appropriate office will respond to provide help and resources for any questions you may have. Those who absolutely must travel to mainland China or Hong Kong should register with UChicago Traveler at this link.
The public health situation in China and the U.S. is still developing, and we will continue to provide updates and guidance through the University and the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM). At this time we do not have patients at UCM or members of the University community who have tested positive for 2019-nCoV, however UCM and the Student Health Service are screening all patients in keeping with guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information on those screening processes, please review this Q&A with the hospital’s epidemiologist. Students may also reach out to SHCS with any questions or concerns. The latest information and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available here.