For the most updated information on Gannon's University's response to COVID-19 please visit https://update.gannon.edu
COVID-19 Updates
March 13, 2020
In light of the ongoing developments regarding COVID-19, the Gannon University Athletics Department announced Friday morning that all athletics competitions have been canceled for the remainder of the spring semester effective immediately. The announcement came in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference's decision that all PSAC athletic competition for the remainder of the spring semester has been canceled, effective immediately.
In addition, all countable athletic related activities (CARA) are suspended until March 30 at which time the PSAC Board of Directors will review a proposal from the Athletics Administrators to permit or suspend CARA for the remainder of the semester.
March 12, 2020
NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled all winter and spring NCAA Division II championships effective immediately. "This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities," indicated Emmert via e-mail.
Gannon was scheduled to host the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Atlantic Regional Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 at the Hammermill Center. All pre-sold tickets will be refunded in full. Individuals who purchased tickets in advance can receive their refund at the Gannon Recreation and Wellness Center (130 West 4th Street) Friday between 8 a.m.-noon. Individuals must present their purchased ticket(s) to receive their refund.
March 11, 2020
For students and employees with health conditions:
Students and employees who have a health condition that puts them at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 or who have unique circumstances should consult with Gannon's Health Center regarding how to minimize their risk. An example of a unique circumstance is a person who is a caregiver for an immunosuppressed family member.
Individuals should also refer to the CDC's guidelines for at-risk populations for further information.
Students and employees should also work with their immediate supervisor or their academic dean to identify employment and educational experience arrangements that reduce their risk while meeting work and educational requirements.
Gannon's Health and Wellness Center can be reached at 814-871-7622.
March 11, 2020
A Message from the President
COVID-19 is on everyone's mind and I want to take this moment to provide some updates on what we have been and are doing and to provide reassurance that Gannon University is taking all necessary steps and will remain open.
We are aware that other universities are taking steps to shift teaching to online delivery or to close altogether. Our judgment and plan for our campus and community is not to do this at the current time. Classes and events will continue as scheduled.
As we have for the past several weeks, we are following the guidance of the state health departments in Florida and Pennsylvania and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current recommendations from those agencies and from the Erie County Department of Health and the Hillsborough County Department of Health do not include closing campus or significant changes in operations.
We have and continue to take many steps to minimize risk to our entire Gannon family. When coronavirus began to spread across Italy, for instance, we called home our nine students studying there when the risk level rose to level 3 and placed them on a 14-day self-quarantine once they returned. We have had a task force of senior personnel from across campus meeting regularly to assess risks and to give guidance as the leadership team is making decisions to direct the university. We have stepped up efforts across campus to keep common areas cleaned and sanitized. And we continue to encourage everyone on campus to adopt healthy practices.
In addition, we have established a web page to share information to our Gannon community. You can see everything at www.gannon.edu/Emergency-Information/
Let me emphasize that we are closely and continuously monitoring this evolving situation and we will adjust appropriately as the situation changes.
For now, we are reassured that there is no reported or suspected case of coronavirus in Erie County or in western Pennsylvania - and are following the guidance of the professionals at the CDC and departments of health aligned with those realities. We are proceeding with care and with confidence that we will continue our mission of educating students in a safe and healthy environment.
Also, our athletic teams will continue their practice and game schedules in accordance with PSAC and NCAA guidelines and students involved in internships, clinical settings and other off-campus settings will follow the direction of those institutions.
Having said all of that, we ARE making adjustments in how we operate to ensure the safety of our Gannon community and continue to deliver quality education with the best interest of our students and employees in mind:
- We are strongly encouraging every member of our community follow the health and safety guidelines provided by the CDC. You can find them at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Any employee who may have a personal health concern related to their engagement on campus should feel free to discuss this with their supervisor.
- Students should continue to attend classes while sharing concerns and seeking advice from your course faculty as you see fit.
- We will be giving faculty the option to deliver their courses using alternative delivery methods following a process and approval system that will be communicated within academic affairs separately.
- Effective immediately, all professional travel for staff and faculty, requires the prior approval of a divisional vice president.
- At our Ruskin campus, we continue to monitor the progression of coronavirus in Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties. So far, the county and state health departments have not suggested a change to operations.
- We continue to require that those who travel internationally for any reason from or through countries identified as level 3 by the CDC to self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Where possible, we suggest you avoid face-to-face off-campus meetings if they can be executed using Skype, Zoom or some other electronic alternative.
As we move forward, we have established contingency plans for if, or when, coronavirus arrives in Erie County or on our campus. Then, as now, we will seek the guidance of the county and state Health Department and CDC in our decision making.
We want to reassure our students, staff and faculty that we are looking after their well-being. If anyone at any time has a concern, please reach out and speak up. Talk to your faculty member or supervisor. You can also submit concerns or questions to www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/
We want you to feel safe and - more importantly - to be safe.
That's why we believe in this moment, when there are no coronavirus cases in the region or on campus, that the most prudent decision and action for our community is to stay the course. I thank all of you for your commitment to working through this with good judgment and with care for one another. Reflecting a recent message of Pope Francis, may we encourage each other to live this challenging moment with the strength of faith, the certainty of hope and the fervor of love.
March 10, 2020
As the University continues to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, we would like to share the following reminders and updates with the Gannon community. The University has taken the following steps in response to the virus:
- Organized a task force to continuously monitor the coronavirus, as well as communicate with key Gannon constituents and develop University preparedness plans for both campuses.
- Implemented a 14-day self-quarantine for individuals who've traveled from locations with a CDC travel health notice of Level 3 or higher in alignment with CDC and state Department of Health guidelines. We also asked our nine study abroad students to return from Italy last week.
- Coordinated on-going cleanings of equipment in labs, classrooms and exercise facilities. We are also checking daily to make sure appropriate levels of hand sanitizing products are available on campus.
- Developed a webpage for all official University communication about the coronavirus as a resource for our Gannon community.
To best ensure your continued health and well-being, we urge the Gannon community to follow the CDC's guidelines for illness prevention and treatment.
We also encourage that if you see something -- or if you just have a concern -- to please say something. Reach out to your supervisor and/or to members of the University task force. Another avenue for University-related questions and comments is our new Emergency Information resource page.
We want to underline that our primary concern is for the well-being of our Gannon community members. The University will continue to follow the guidelines and protocols of the state Department of Health and CDC and will continue to communicate updates as new and related information or policy developments occur.
March 4, 2020
As we continue to monitor developments regarding the coronavirus, Gannon University has decided to implement updated procedures for students, faculty and staff who have traveled to locations with a health notice of level three or higher according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Any student or employee returning to the U.S. from a location with a CDC travel health notice of level 3 or higher must self-quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to Gannon's Erie or Ruskin campuses.
We ask that individuals who should self-quarantine please complete this brief form so that the appropriate Gannon contacts can assist you with academic and other accommodations that may be needed during the 14-day quarantine.
Who should self-quarantine?
- Any student, faculty or staff member who has traveled to a location with a CDC health notice of level 3 or higher. Currently, those locations include: China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.
- Any student, faculty or staff member who has been in direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 coronavirus.
What should I do if I have to self-quarantine?
- Complete this brief form to notify the appropriate Gannon contacts to assist you with the proper academic and other accommodations.
- Students or employees returning from a location with a level 3 health notice must return to their off-campus residence as a preventative health measure for themselves and others on campus.
- If you are able, redirect your travels to return directly to your off-campus residence, minimizing risks to yourself and others with stops to various locations before beginning self-quarantine.
- Continue to practice preventative health behaviors.
- Continue to monitor for symptoms. If you experience symptoms, contact your primary health care provider.
What should I do after the self-quarantine time period is over?
- Gannon's Health Center will be in contact to assist with communicating next steps.
Gannon University is dedicated to the health and well-being of all our students, faculty and staff. While it is important we take such precautions for the health of our Gannon community members, it is also important we each are informed on the facts surrounding the coronavirus to help reduce any associated fear or stigmas toward affected communities or returning travelers. Gannon University will not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment toward any community member whose home country is affected by the coronavirus or who is completing a self-quarantine after returning from foreign travel.
The University will continue to follow the guidelines and protocols of the CDC and U.S. State Department to maintain the well-being of our Gannon community. We will continue to communicate updates as new and related information or policy developments occur.
March 2, 2020
As developments with the coronavirus continue, we would like to inform you of the following update:
According to the Florida Department of Health, two cases of coronavirus have now been reported in Florida in Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. Although these cases are not connected to our Gannon campuses, we want to update the University on the development in this location. At this time, there are no cases at our Ruskin, Florida or Erie campuses.
We are continuing to monitor the cases in Florida and all locations in which we have students studying abroad and have current students, faculty and staff traveling for ABST and GIFT programming over spring break.
The University will follow the guidelines and protocols of the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as needed to maintain the well-being of our Gannon community. We will continue to communicate as new and related information or policy developments occur.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
To best ensure your continued health and well-being, we urge the Gannon community to follow the illness prevention and travel precautions being issued by the CDC, including:
- Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more under warm water with soap.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol if unable to wash hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you cough, sneeze or have a runny nose, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
- Throw used tissues into a trash can immediately and wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone.
- Do not share food, drink, utensils or dishes with others, and wash dishes, cups and silverware after use to prevent someone else from using contaminated items.
- If you have a persistent cough, you can wear a facemask to prevent spread to others, regardless of illness type.
- Stay home when you are sick, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Keep in mind that as we are in the midst of normal flu season, should you attempt to enter another country or to re-enter the U.S. with a fever, you could experience difficulties even if you are not sick with the coronavirus.
- If you travel to an area that has a risk of contagious disease and are concerned about symptoms upon your return to campus, please call Gannon's Health and Wellness Center at 814-871-7622.
Gannon University has also taken several preventative measures and steps in response and to prepare for possible further spread of the virus, including:
- Organized a University task force to continuously monitor the coronavirus, as well as communicate with key Gannon constituencies, including ABST and GIFT travelers, study abroad students and global students.
- Assisting students studying abroad in Rome with their return to the United States to ensure their continued health while minimizing disruption to their academics.
- Coordinating frequent cleanings of equipment in labs, classrooms and exercise facilities, as well as maintaining the appropriate daily levels of hand sanitizing products available on campus.
- Developed a webpage including all institutional communication about the coronavirus as a resource for our Gannon community members at: https://www.gannon.edu/Emergency-Information/
The safety and well-being of all our Gannon community members is our utmost priority. We will continue to assess and plan to uphold this, communicating updates accordingly.
February 29, 2020
In an effort to keep you updated in regard to the coronavirus and our Gannon community members traveling for spring break and currently studying abroad, we would like to share recent developments with you.
The U.S. State Department has raised its advisory level for areas of Italy to a Level 4. The University has been in continuous communication with our students studying abroad at the American University of Rome and has made the decision to assist our students with returning to the United States this week. While there are currently no cases of the coronavirus in Rome, this decision was made to uphold the safety and well-being of our students and to ensure their safe return home while minimizing their travel risk leaving Italy. Gannon and AUR have coordinated closely to ensure the students' academic experience is not disrupted and will be providing the students the opportunity to complete their coursework remotely from their homes to complete their semester.
We are continuing to monitor all locations in which we have students abroad and have current students, faculty and staff traveling for ABST and GIFT programming over spring break. The University will follow the guidelines and protocols of the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as needed to maintain the well-being of our Gannon community. We will continue to communicate any further developments related to the University, our students, faculty and staff.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
February 27, 2020
As you prepare for spring break next week (March 1-8), we want to underline that our primary concern is your safety and well-being while you are away from campus.
We would like to provide an update on news surrounding the coronavirus to continue to keep you informed so that you may exercise your best judgment in any upcoming travel as a preventative health precaution.
Facts & Information:
- Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China and has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including elsewhere in China, Mongolia, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan.
- While there have been cases confirmed in the United States, there have been no cases in Pennsylvania or Florida, or at Gannon.
- There are currently no high-level notices for the locations to which our Alternative Break Service Trips will be traveling.
- There are currently no high-level notices for the locations in which our students are studying abroad. However, we are closely monitoring the recent developments in Italy and are in communication with our students studying at the American University of Rome to provide support and arrange plans as necessary for their safety and well-being.
- Gannon's Office of Global Support and Student Engagement is in communication with our global students who may have family and friends in the impacted international areas, and continue to provide support and guidance during this time.
To prevent the spread of this and most other viruses, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more under warm water with soap.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you cough, sneeze or have a runny nose, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
- Throw used tissues into a trash can immediately and wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone.
- Do not share food, drink, utensils or dishes with others, and wash dishes, cups and silverware after use to prevent someone else from using contaminated items.
- If you have a persistent cough, you can wear a facemask to prevent spread to others, regardless of illness type.
Tips & Recommendations:
- Consider the necessity of your travels over spring break, especially if it involves crossing borders.
- Keep in mind that as we are in the midst of normal flu season, should you attempt to enter another country or to re-enter the U.S. with a fever, you could experience difficulties even if you are not sick with the coronavirus.
- If you travel to an area that has a risk of contagious disease and are concerned about symptoms upon your return to campus, please call Gannon's Health and Wellness Center at 814-871-7622.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will implement protocols in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if needed. We will continue to communicate with the Gannon community of any changes and on best practices for prevention measures to uphold the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
February 5, 2020
We are closely monitoring the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, recognizing our mission as a globally inclusive university that seeks to ensure the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff - especially those who are arriving from or are traveling abroad. We are aware of the exposure risks, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and are implementing procedures and protocols in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These efforts are precautionary in nature.Our campus is safe, and COVID-19 poses no current threat to the region - in Erie and Ruskin, Fla.
COVID-19 is a virus that has been identified as the cause of outbreak of respiratory illness that was first detected in Wuhan, China. For confirmed infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people experiencing few to no symptoms to fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
Eleven imported cases of COVID-19 infection in people had been detected in the U.S. as of Feb. 3. The immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. Regardless, the CDC recommends that you seek medical care if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to anyone ill who has recently traveled from China. Before you go to your doctor's office, emergency room, or to the campus Health and Wellness Center, call ahead to allow the healthcare provider's office to take any necessary precautions prior to your arrival.
To prevent the spread of this and most other viruses, the CDC recommends the following:
- Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more under warm water with soap.
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you cough, sneeze or have a runny nose, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
- Throw used tissues into a trash can immediately and wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone.
- Do not share food, drink, utensils or dishes with others, and wash dishes, cups and silverware after use to prevent someone else from using contaminated items.
- If you have a persistent cough, you can wear a facemask to prevent spread to others, regardless of illness type.
Gannon's Health and Wellness Center in Erie has been busy in recent days with students and staff with strep and viral upper respiratory infections. There are currently no concerns of COVID-19 on campus. The Center has stated it will take all precautionary measures for patients who display flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled out of the country by contacting local public health authorities immediately for necessary testing and guidance.
COVID-19 is primarily centralized in China, including cases outside Wuhan. There are no Gannon students from the city currently, nor do any of our university travel plans include trips to the area.
We will continue to monitor the situation and inform the Gannon community of any changes.
For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.