We are writing to follow up on previous messages sent to the Clark community regarding the novel coronavirus, now referred to as COVID-19, to inform you of recent developments that may impact your current or upcoming travel, including travel you may be considering for spring break.

While new cases in China appear to have decreased in the past few days, diagnoses of COVID-19 have risen significantly in South Korea, Iran, and Italy. Other countries have confirmed new cases as well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State  have now elevated travel advisories for some nations. It is important that anyone planning to travel abroad consult both websites for travel advisories.

We urge those of you with plans to travel over spring break to consult the CDC COVID-19 website for updates on the virus. A page specific for Spring Break Travel  has helpful tips. Should you choose to travel internationally, please register your travel with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) which gives you access to alerts from the local embassies and consulates.

Regardless of where you are, we also urge you to follow some simple but effective illness prevention measures:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading any virus to others, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover coughs and sneezes in your elbow or sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you feel unwell, stay at home in order to protect yourself and other people.

Clark’s staff in Health Services and Dean of Students office, along with city and state agencies, are doing as much as possible to keep our community healthy and are preparing for a range of possible developments. The University has activated a subset of the members of our emergency response team who are continuously monitoring the situation, responding promptly to developments, and figuring out how best to support our faculty, staff and students.

We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable break!