Colleagues:
The COVID-19 virus is a rapidly changing situation, and may present various challenges to our community. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our entire community – including each and every staff member. We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
At this time, there have been no cases diagnosed in Michigan. New cases continue to be identified in the United States and abroad. Please continue to follow health, wellness and prevention guidelines provided by the University, updated regularly with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization.
The College is working closely with U-M officials, who are actively monitoring and coordinating with medical experts, state and local public health experts. As COVID-19 continues to evolve, updates will be posted to the University’s Key Issues page.
For your benefit and the health of the entire community, I urge you to follow these guidelines outlined by the University:
- If you believe you are sick, stay home. Communicate your situation with your supervisor.
- If you have traveled recently to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran, stay home and self-quarantine and monitor your health for 14 days from your last day in that country. The self-quarantine recommendation currently does not apply in general to travelers who only transit through an airport in one of these countries, per guidance from the CDC.
- Register international travel using U-M Travel Registry.
Supporting staff who cannot report to work is an important aspect of creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Employees are encouraged to work remotely if they are directed to stay home from work by a healthcare provider or government health agency. Vacation, paid time off or excused time without pay is available for employees who are unable to work remotely. In the event of a recommended or required quarantine, employees unable to work remotely may use paid sick time in lieu of vacation or excused time without pay. For additional information, read this Human Resources FAQ: https://hr.umich.edu/2019-novel-coronavirus.
We are a global community, and I realize that COVID-19 may be affecting many of your loved ones and friends. We are all facing uncertainty, and I recognize the difficulties and stresses this situation creates for everyone. We also have heard reports of xenophobia associated with the outbreak – which are antithetical to our values. As a College community, it is critical that we support one another and ensure everyone feels safe and welcome.
Take care,
Alec