Coronavirus outbreak and coronaviruses influenza background as dangerous flu strain cases as a pandemic medical health risk concept with disease cells as a 3D render

As a global community, the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is of concern to all of us at Concordia University.  While no one in our Concordia family has been directly impacted by the virus, our top priority is the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.


We continue to update our COVID-19 preparedness efforts as new developments take shape.  Leadership met this morning to enhance the University’s travel guidelines for students and employees.  This is important as many students head into spring break next week.

Concordia University asks students to adhere to the following guidance in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • Concordia-sponsored international travel: Concordia has suspended all university-sponsored travel for faculty, staff, and students to countries that the CDC identifies as a Level 3 Travel Health Notice. This includes China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. This list is subject to change.
  • Non-essential/personal international travel: Given that CDC guidelines change rapidly, Concordia strongly advises all faculty, staff, and students to check the CDC’s Travel Health Notices before traveling, as quarantines and entry/exit control measures could be implemented quickly and effect return travel to the U.S.
  • Domestic travel: At this time, the CDC has not issued recommendations on domestic travel, although students should use caution.
  • At any time, should students be exposed, or suspect they may have been exposed, to COVID-19, they will complete a 14-day self-quarantine.  The Office of the Provost will provide detailed information about how quarantined students will access necessary resources to complete required academic work.
  • Check your Concordia email regularly (including over spring break) for important updates and advisories.  We will use email to send out any changes to normal operations.

Continue to practice good habits for hygiene and wellness.  If you are sick, distance yourself from others.  Think with care about the impact you and your decisions could have on the health and well-being of others, and particularly those most vulnerable to this virus.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you develop flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, body aches) and seek medical help if needed.
  • Disinfect surfaces (door handles, desk) and shared equipment (phone, keyboard, mouse, etc.).

To help you navigate this situation, we have added a page on our Concordia website.  Visit covid19 to access fact-based information about Coronavirus as well as official news about the situation.  You’ll find instructions for how to self-quarantine and read Concordia’s action plans related to on-campus wellness, health services, international students, study abroad, mission trips, and spring break travel.  The site is frequently updated.

Thank you for your partnership in this effort.  I invite you to join me in prayer for the continued good health of all in our Concordia community.  Be safe and have a great spring break.

Sincerely,

Steve Taylor

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