Tuesday, March, 10th, 2020 Speeches and Messages
March 10, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff:
As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, the number of cases has increased domestically, and Massachusetts has entered a state of emergency. It is imperative that we take steps as individuals and as a community to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. Our best opportunity to do so is to reduce the density of our population on our campuses, thereby decreasing the risk of community spread, especially in a residential community. This is particularly the case as we approach the onset of undergraduate spring break, when many students travel widely before returning to campus. As an institution committed to civic life, we must do our part to contain the spread of COVID-19, not only among our own community and campuses, but also among those with whom we come into contact externally.
As a result, and in the best interests of our community, we are making significant, immediate changes, some of which will be disappointing to you and create difficulties that together we will need to manage. Despite these challenges, I am confident that these are the right steps to take together. We are taking them after much deliberation and discussion, guided at all times by our commitment to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of our community members and informed by our close collaboration with national, state, and local public health authorities.
Classes moving online
New travel and event restrictions
Athletic restrictions and cancellations
University offices to remain open
Clearly, the measures outlined above are serious, and we will feel their impact acutely. As a collegial and community-oriented University, we cherish each other’s company and the face-to-face interactions that make learning, teaching, and working here a privilege. It is in this spirit of caring for each other that I ask each of you to understand the need for these changes and to comply with them.
I also recognize that these decisions raise as many questions as they answer. If you have a question, please send it to covid19@tufts.edu. I ask for your patience as we review and answer your inquiries. Meanwhile, we will continue to keep you informed as we have additional announcements. Please visit go.tufts.edu/coronavirus, where you also will find guidance on precautions, medical assistance, support, and mental health services, and links to reliable sources of information.
As we have deliberated these changes in recent days, I have been struck by the dedication and professionalism of our deans, faculty, and staff, who have met this challenge with poise, creativity and a can-do attitude that is heartening. Likewise, I thank our students for their understanding, patience, and resilience, both over the last few weeks and in the weeks to come. I appreciate each and every person’s efforts as we take these important and necessary steps.
Sincerely,
Tony Monaco