CORONAVIRUS NEWS ROUNDUP

The worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has impacted the entire Northwestern community, and the University is taking measures to keep students, faculty and staff as safe as possible.

Northwestern Now will round up the latest news and information on changes to University policies and schedules, as well as stories about how the community is responding to make a positive effect during this growing public health crisis.
 
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
For Northwestern schools that operate on the quarter system, Spring Break has been extended by one week. When classes resume, beginning April 4, they will be conducted remotely for at least three weeks. Read more
 
CONFIRMED CASES
Three confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Evanston campus have been reported to the Northwestern University Health Service and verified by a public health agency. Consult this list for information on new cases as they are reported.
 
FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS
Some staff and faculty members need to be on campus in order to ensure a transition to remote education, support the research enterprise, provide patient care through our clinical affiliates and operate critical functions. However, Northwestern has asked all of those who can work remotely to do so. Read more
 
RESTRICTING TRAVEL AND VISITORS
Effective immediately and until further notice, Northwestern is prohibiting all University-related travel without exception. This includes both outbound domestic and international travel, as well as restricting all visitors coming to campus. All are urged to leverage technology solutions to engage with others. Read more
 
TRACKING SELF-ISOLATION
In the early stages of this pandemic, we must do our best to track who from our community is self-isolating due to a concern about exposure. Please log your decision to self-isolate as it will help Northwestern protect the health of all of its community members.
 
POSTPONED OR CANCELED
The second annual U7+ Summit, originally set for June 2-3 at Northwestern, will be rescheduled for the fall. The summit, which is expected to draw dozens of university presidents from around the world, is designed to explore solutions to critical global issues, and to align university leaders so they can play a leading role in addressing critical global challenges.
 
Fine and performing arts events from across campus, including the Bienen School of Music, the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts and the Block Museum of Art, have been canceled through April. Consult each venue for updates.
 
Following guidance from the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA, Northwestern Athletics events have been canceled for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.
 
WHAT’S ON
Northwestern researcher Adia Benton will discuss the COVID-19 response in the U.S. and globally in a webinar March 17. She will discuss what is and isn’t known about COVID-19 and its transmission dynamics, how scientific and public health expertise is brought to bear and approaches to “flattening the curve” of infection in our communities. The webinar is sponsored by the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern University. Register here
 
Northwestern’s dedicated coronavirus website remains the primary source for breaking developments, resources and answers to frequently asked questions.