March 4, 2020
Dear DIS Copenhagen Students,
We thank you for your patience, positive attitude, and communication with us over the past few days as we all continue to monitor and respond to events surrounding COVID-19. The purpose of this message is to provide important updates.
Italy
The Danish government announced last night that anyone returning after March 2 from the four risk regions in Italy – Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Piedmont or Veneto – should self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor symptoms. No students have notified DIS of travel that fits these criteria. However, if you or anyone you know did, in fact, return from these regions on or after March 3, please notify DIS immediately by calling the emergency phone.
In light of guidance from local health officials, CDC risk analysis, and the constantly changing situation in Italy, DIS is no longer allowing independent travel to Italy. Students with upcoming travel plans to Italy must cancel their plans; any travel to Italy (all regions) after today will be considered a violation of the DIS student conduct code and will result in dismissal from DIS.
We know many of you traveled to Italy or know someone who did so prior to March 3. Please know that the new quarantine guidance does not apply retroactively. Danish health officials indicate that there is no reason to fear living with or attending class with someone who returned from Italy prior to March 3. The official guidance for anyone who has traveled to Italy in the last 14 days is simply to monitor themselves for symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and reach out to 1813 for guidance.
Students Leaving DIS due to COVID-19
Three universities in the U.S. have asked their students at DIS to return home due to COVID-19. DIS is supporting these students as they consider their options. If you receive a message from your university asking you to leave Europe, or are considering return due to your own concerns related to COVID-19, please contact us at emergencyresponse@dis.dk.
In the event that you return home due to COVID-19, we will offer the option to complete coursework remotely. This arrangement will be dependent on your home school’s ability to accept such credit, and there will be some courses where completion from home will not be possible.
Your Health
DIS reminds you of the everyday actions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. If you feel sick, please stay home and contact your faculty to discuss how to stay on top of assignments.
In the unlikely event that you fear you have COVID-19, call Denmark’s 24/7 emergency medical advice line at 1813 for guidance on next steps. Once you have directions from the authorities please notify the DIS Emergency Response Group immediately at emergencyresponse@dis.dk.
Please be assured that though the risk of COVID-19 remains very low, DIS takes the situation seriously and is carefully continuing to monitor the situation.
Sincerely,
DIS Emergency Response Team