News reports on the public health risk associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) have generated questions from members of the campus community who are understandably curious about how Georgia Tech is responding to COVID-19 internationally as well as how it is preparing for the possibility of increased risk in the United States. It is important to remember there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Georgia at this time, and risk of exposure in the U.S. is still very low.

To date, Georgia Tech has canceled its spring programs in China and South Korea and advised faculty to cancel any travel commitments to China. While the University System of Georgia (USG) will make overall decisions regarding summer programs and other travel at a later date, Tech has preemptively canceled its China Summer Program. Our Office of International Education is working with students who are negatively affected by these changes. 

On campus, Georgia Tech has developed an initial emergency response plan, and is conducting tabletop training exercises for the purpose of improved internal coordination and communication. Key Tech staff maintain close relationships with colleagues at the Georgia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure we have the latest information and guidance.

We continue to encourage all members of the campus community to follow the same preventative strategies used during a normal cold and flu season: getting a flu shot, washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when experiencing symptoms of illness. 

In partnership with the state’s Department of Health, the USG has updated its resource guide with the latest information concerning travel warnings and other guidance at www.usg.edu/coronavirus.  You can also visit health.gatech.edu/coronavirus for any campus specific updates.