Below, for your reference, is the full text of President Julio Frenk’s video message (above) to the University of Miami community.
This week we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 infections at the University of Miami.
This situation requires quick and strong action. Therefore, I want to update you on the steps we will take to contain the virus, so that we can—as we did in the fall—complete the spring semester together on campus, while keeping each other and our communities safe.
At the beginning of the semester, we identified two factors as potential difficulties: new, more contagious variants of the virus and COVID fatigue. This is precisely what we are seeing play out.
Our analysis of test results indicates that some cases on campus right now are caused by the UK strain of the coronavirus, one of the more contagious variants currently circulating across the country, including in South Florida. Contact tracing shows that most transmission of the virus has originated off campus among students in social settings. So far, there has been little increase in cases among faculty and staff.
As your president, and as a public health professional, it is my duty and my responsibility to promptly address these drivers of contagion.
It may be tempting to dismiss the threat of new variants. Yet, we all know that underestimating this virus is a mistake. We need only look at the rates of infection, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide to be reminded of the damage it does.
The good news is that vaccines are proving effective against numerous strains of the virus. However, they are not yet widely available to many members of our campus community. As such, carelessness with respect to physical distancing and use of face covers, not to mention deliberate violations of public health measures, have dire consequences.
Although we are currently able to manage the spike in cases, our containment efforts cannot be sustained without drastically reducing the current numbers of cases. Therefore, from this evening until at least Tuesday, February 16, students on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses should only leave their residences or households to engage in the following activities.
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Because we have seen no in-classroom transmission since the beginning of the academic year, students 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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Given the low number of cases among student-athletes, intercollegiate athletics will continue; however, no fans will be permitted at home games and we will maintain intensive testing to track exposure to the virus.
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Due to concerning positivity rates among Greek organizations, as announced last night, all fraternity houses are closed to any and all outside guests and all Panhellenic Building suites are closed.
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The wellness center and pool will remain open, with additional emphasis on adherence to protocols.
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Students may also leave to obtain 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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Large student gatherings or in-person activities will be canceled beginning at noon, Friday, February 5, and students should not congregate in groups of more than 10.
For all these activities, strict adherence to preventive measures—including face covers and physical distance—is expected. Other critical requirements that remain in place include mandatory testing, completing the Daily Symptom Checker, and truthful cooperation with contact tracing.
More details on what these actions mean for operations of housing, dining, wellness, retail, and essential activities will be communicated to students this afternoon. Note that given the rate of infection among faculty and staff, there are no current changes to the protocols in place for University employees.
Throughout the 10-day period of restricted activities, we will evaluate the spread of infection through extensive testing and other surveillance actions. Depending on the results, we will consider releasing the restrictions, extending them further, or introducing additional measures. Our goal is to interrupt transmission as we improve compliance with public health measures, in order to resume more robust in-person activities as soon as possible.
The public health measures at our disposal are simple but following them day in and day out is not always easy. I know our students are weary of the coronavirus—the whole world is. But we have come too far to give up now.
From the beginning of the pandemic, I noted that it is worth taking calculated risks to provide our students as enriching a college experience as possible. We decided to return to campus because we believe that young people can be trusted to make short-term sacrifices for long-term goals.
To our students, until the pandemic is behind us continue to wear your face cover, maintain physical distance, and avoid large gatherings. To our families, ask and expect your students to avoid unsafe behaviors for their good and the good of our University. We must not back down from the challenges we face. Make your health and that of your fellow ’Canes your top priority and prove our trust is justified.
Variants are not within our control, but behavior is. Students found in deliberate violation of our public health guidelines will face disciplinary action. Like last semester, we will not hesitate to impose serious sanctions, such as suspension of individuals and entire student organizations.
The majority of you demonstrated in the fall that ’Canes truly care for ’Canes, and we are counting on you to do it again.
We are one U. |
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