To Parents and Guardians of Case Western Reserve Students:
We apologize that the message you received this morning has increased rather than alleviated some of your COVID-19-related concerns. Because of the common themes and time-sensitivity of some of your inquiries, we are sending this broad message now before responding to individual questions.
For all travel that is not university sponsored:
After consultation with infectious disease experts and out of an abundance of caution, we asked members of the campus community to register their spring break travel. The likelihood that any student would be required to self-isolate for 14 days is extremely low. We requested information so that our health professionals could offer geographic-specific advice and counsel if needed.
For personal travel to places where the university has prohibited sponsored domestic travel:
We encourage the following for 14 days upon return:
- Self-observation for fever, cough or difficulty breathing. Students who experience any symptoms should contact University Health Services at 216.368.2450, where a health professional will discuss your situation and provide guidance.
- Avoid sharing food or drink with others (e.g. eating or drinking from the same plates or containers).
- Avoid close contact with others—e.g. shaking hands, hugs, etc.
COVID-19-related developments affecting a student or students’ course participation:
University leaders are developing contingency plans to provide individual and/or broad alternatives (e.g. teaching provided online, assigned presentations, labs or other activities usually done in person, and extension of the semester to allow completion of courses remotely).
University travel form access:
Several parents have requested access to the registration forms that we have asked all faculty, staff and students to complete if traveling outside Ohio. While we appreciate your desire to assist your student(s) during this difficult and hectic time, information security concerns require that they only be accessed by those with case.edu emails. No student will be penalized if unable to complete the form prior to departure, but we would like them completed as soon as possible.
Again, our apologies that we did not provide adequate context regarding the possibility of self-isolation requirements, and hope this message addresses some of your concerns. We will respond to individual emails as well, but wanted to issue this communication in as timely a way as possible.
Lou Stark
Vice President for Student Affairs
Sara Lee, MD
Executive Director of University Health and Counseling Services