The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve and change. While at this time the risk of COVID-19 is low, St. Cloud State University is closely monitoring the developing situation and is taking the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the St. Cloud State campus community.
A core team has been assembled to continually monitor the situation, advise leadership and communicate with campus consistent with the guidance from the Minnesota State system office and the Centers for Disease Control.
Due to the uncertainty of the trajectory and spread of the COVID-19 virus across the globe, Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra has made the decision to suspend all Minnesota State-related international travel effective immediately. This includes March education abroad programs, and any other international travel involving faculty, staff and students. Impacted faculty, staff and students have been informed of the cancellation of travel and we are working with these individuals to find solutions to the problems this action may create.
The St. Cloud State Center for International Studies (CIS) continues to monitor and be in touch with all students currently abroad. As of today we are not asking students who are in State Department Level 1 and 2 countries to return home.
Since this is a situation that is changing daily, the following online resources are available to help keep you updated:
- St. Cloud State Coronavirus Information
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Department of State
With spring break and summer travel planning upon us, please carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any international travel, and review the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information on COVID-19 to learn more.
Whether or not you are planning to travel, please practice behaviors that help prevent the spread of disease, such as washing your hands, covering your cough or sneeze (in your elbow as opposed to your hands) and staying home if you are sick. While socially awkward, many may also refrain from shaking hands to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
The University will continue to update campus on the coronavirus information webpage and campus emails as necessary. Please also make sure your Star Alert cell phone and supplemental email address information is up to date in the case of emergency communications that may be necessary.
Thank you for your cooperation
Sincerely,
Robbyn R. Wacker
President
