To All Members of Our University Community,
Over the past several days, we have experienced a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 infections at the University of Miami. In a video message this morning, President Julio Frenk announced a series of immediate actions the University is taking to contain the spread of the virus and safeguard the health of our community.
Beginning this evening and lasting until at least Tuesday, Feb. 16, Coral Gables and Marine campus students should curtail their activities to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We urge them to leave their residences or households to engage in only the following activities:
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Because we have seen no in-classroom transmission since the beginning of the academic year, students who have most recently tested negative and who pass the Daily Symptom Checker will continue to attend in-person classes and instructional labs.
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Students may continue income-generating or education-related endeavors, such as work, research, and internships.
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Students may also leave to obtain food, medical care, COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, medicine, or supplies that are indispensable, when such cannot be acquired via telehealth or delivery.
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Students may go outside to walk, exercise, or engage in recreational activities, so long as physical distancing can be maintained. The Herbert Wellness Center and University Center Pool will remain open.
Students on the Medical Campus should continue to follow any guidance issued by Medical Communications for the UHealth and Miller School of Medicine communities.
In addition, the following safety measures remain in place and remain mandatory:
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Using the Daily Symptom Checker immediately before arriving on any University of Miami campus, and displaying the “Good to Go” status to enter buildings or participate in in-person activities including classes;
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Wearing face coverings at all times, whether indoors or outdoors;
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Practicing physical distancing; and
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Avoiding large groups, and not gathering with more than 9 other people.
Following these steps can ensure a successful, safe, and healthy spring semester. Failure to comply with these preventative measures may result in strict disciplinary action, up to and including suspension for students and/or student organizations.
Here is more detailed information.
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
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Because we have seen no in-classroom transmission since the beginning of the academic year, students who have most recently tested negative and who pass the Daily Symptom Checker will continue to attend in-person classes and instructional labs.
COVID-19 TESTING
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COVID-19 testing for all students—both residential and non-residential—will continue. Students should schedule weekly testing appointments through MyUHealthChart as normal.
’CANES CENTRAL AND THE CAMPUS STORE
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’Canes Central and the Campus Store will remain open and will maintain existing hours of operation.
DINING SERVICES
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Campus dining halls will maintain current hours of operation but will provide take-out service only. Please feel free to visit the many dining options on campus to explore the array of foods available.
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Retail dining locations will continue with take-out-only service and will maintain current hours of operation.
HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE
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The current nightly curfew of midnight will remain in place and will continue to be strictly enforced.
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Regrettably, no outside guests or other students will be permitted in residential buildings in which they do not reside.
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
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The Hurry ’Canes campus shuttle will continue to operate on a normal schedule.
STUDENT HEALTH
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS
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Large student gatherings (10 people or greater) will need to be rescheduled for a later date; the cancellation begins at noon on Friday, Feb. 5, and students should not congregate in groups of more than 10 at any time.
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Due to concerning positivity rates among Greek organizations, as announced last night, fraternity houses are closed to outside guests and Panhellenic Building suites are closed.
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Student organizations with suites in the Shalala Student Center are asked to reduce in-person utilization of these areas.
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The Herbert Wellness Center and University Center Pool will remain open.
UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
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Library hours of operation will continue on their current schedule for the time being.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS
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Given the low number of cases among student-athletes, intercollegiate athletics will continue; however, no fans will be permitted at home games and intensive testing to track exposure to the virus will continue.
EMPLOYEE SCHEDULES AND WORK ARRANGEMENTS
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Given the low rate of infection among faculty and staff, there are no current changes to the protocols in place for University employees.
Given the restrictions in place to reduce spread of COVID-19, here are tips for students on how to remain safe while taking advantage of our South Florida weather and staying connected to friends and family.
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Enjoy a workout at the Herbert Wellness Center or participate in one of their outdoor fitness classes.
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Swim a few laps or get ahead on class reading at the University Center Pool.
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Walk with a friend around Lake Osceola or through the Gifford Arboretum.
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Call your family and friends to stay connected to those important in your life.
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Enjoy new carryout options from various on-campus dining locations, and spend some time on a campus glider.
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Find a new student organization to join and attend one of their virtual meetings or programs.
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Set up an outdoor picnic on the Foote University Green with your roommate.
To ensure our scaled back operations remain necessary only for a limited time, all members of the University community—especially students—are asked to do their part by following the guidance above and remember that ’Canes Care for ’Canes.
For more information regarding the University’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.miami.edu. |
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