Winter finals move online days before the WHO declares a global pandemic

To our campus community, I am writing to share further information this afternoon as Stanford continues to monitor developments around COVID-19 and take actions in response. I want to let you know that Stanford has two undergraduate students in self-isolation after possible exposure to COVID-19. The students are not displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 but have been tested at Stanford Health Care; there has been no confirmation of infection at this time, and test results are expected to take up to 24 hours. Both students have moved out of their regular undergraduate housing and are in self-isolation elsewhere. We are following CDC guidelines in responding. Privacy requirements mean that we cannot disclose the students’ identities. I know that this development will be a source of anxiety and concern. We continue to be guided in our actions by medical professionals and public health guidance, and our team of university leaders is prepared to take additional steps to safeguard the health of our community as they become necessary. Out of respect for the students involved in this immediate matter, I want to encourage you not to engage in rumors or speculation that will not be helpful to the situation. Please continue to take the preventive steps we have been encouraging – stay home when sick; wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; cough and sneeze into your elbow; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If you are concerned about any health symptoms you may be experiencing, please contact your personal health care provider at the earliest opportunity. Students should be in touch with Vaden Health Center. Please also continue to follow the university guidance posted at healthalerts.stanford.edu, which will continue to be updated. We are continuing to evaluate overall campus operations, recognizing that the increasing availability of testing for COVID-19 is likely to produce increasing numbers of confirmed cases in our region and perhaps in our community. We will provide additional information to you as soon as it becomes available. Sincerely, Persis