Margaret Hazlett margaret.hazlett@fandm.edu

Fri, Feb 28, 2:00 PM

Dear Franklin & Marshall Students,

As we head into the weekend, we are writing to reassure you that we have no identified cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) here at F&M; in fact, there are no confirmed cases in our area. However, considering that the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide has doubled in the last two weeks alone, we continue to monitor the situation carefully and to stay in touch with the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

Given the rapidly evolving situation, we strongly encourage students and their families to consult travel advisories issued by the CDC and exercise caution regarding all international travel over spring break, which is only two weeks away. At this time, we know of no government plans to restrict re-entry into this country, but changing conditions could mean your return to the United States after spring break and to the final weeks of the academic year at Franklin & Marshall could be delayed or otherwise disrupted.

Some have asked about students pursuing off-campus study programs this semester. Staff members in our Office of International Programs have been in contact with those students and their parents, bringing those groups the latest information about COVID-19. Among the five countries listed at Level 2 or above by the CDC (as of Feb. 27), there are no Franklin & Marshall students studying this semester in China, South Korea, or Iran. We do have eight students studying in Italy, seven through an Institute for International Education of Students program and one with Arcadia University. The College continues to reinforce the messages by those institutions regarding accommodations being made for students on the programs in Italy. We are providing similar messages to our two students studying in Japan.

Information about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak changes frequently; we will continue to consult with the Department of Health and the CDC, and will keep you informed about any changes in the situation.

Sincerely,

Margaret L. Hazlett

Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs

Cam Wesson

Provost and Dean of the Faculty