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President Schrader Statement

Dear Campus Community,

We are monitoring developments related to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 a respiratory illness causing flu-like symptoms, it is important to gather facts, take preventative measures and prepare for a wide range of potential scenarios.

There are four cases in the New York City area that have been confirmed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the risk to New Yorkers remains low. At this time, we are aware of no coronavirus cases involving anyone in the CUNY community.

However, as per Chancellor Matos- Rodriquez, the New York cases have raised our level of concern, and we are stepping up our preparations for the possibility of our campuses and neighborhoods being impacted by the virus. Please be assured that CUNY is taking this potential threat very seriously, and actively preparing to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, along with the continuity of our operations across a range of scenarios. A centralized Taskforce has been formed.

Note all study abroad to Italy, Japan and South Korea for SUNY and CUNY students have been suspended for the the remainder of the semester.

We will be sharing more information about college/ university preparations in the coming days. 

You can check CUNY.edu/coronavirus for recent status and guidance updates and other important resources.

Please continue to take preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs. ​

  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Cover cough/sneeze.
  • Stay home if sick and contact doctor if concerned about symptoms & travel history.


Many thanks,

President Schrader