Directives communicated this weekend and today by the Swiss and Ticino authorities contain new restrictions and recommendations.

Following the directives from the Swiss and Ticino authorities to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the President’s Cabinet met to implement measures that aim at protecting the health of students, staff and faculty, while ensuring the continuity of our day-to-day operations.

The cantonal authorities have requested that people leave home only for necessities such as food or medicine, and that they strictly follow the prevention protocols while outside of their homes. The restrictions are essential to limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Everyone’s willingness to comply with the directives helps protect our health, the health of our loved ones and that of our entire community.

In compliance with the cantonal directives, all in-person classes are suspended until April 19, 2020. Students will continue their coursework and related academic activities through our learning management system beginning Monday, March 23. Faculty will be telecommuting and working on the transition to teaching remotely. Offices and services at the university remain operational. All of our offices will be staffed either in person or remotely.

As of Monday, March 16, the following directives have been established by federal authorities:

  • All shops and restaurants (including pubs and bars) and all entertainment venues (discos, cinemas, theatres and casinos) are closed. Restaurants within hotels are open but limited to the guests staying there. Our Dining Hall will stay open as planned, in compliance with the new regulations, and will continue to follow the prevention and hygiene protocols already in place.
  • Home delivery services in Lugano are operational, allowing people to stay home and order online
  • Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and kiosks are open as usual.
  • Postal services, banking and financial insurance services are guaranteed.
  • Personal service activities (hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and tattoo shops) must remain closed to the public, including those exercised at home.
  • Private businesses must reduce activities to a bare minimum
  • All religious functions are suspended. Houses of worship will remain open following the hygiene protocols.
  • All public and private events are prohibited.
  • Friday, March 20 is considered a holiday, but grocery stores and pharmacies remain open.

The cantonal police and the municipal police will supervise compliance with these provisions.

Beginning at midnight March 16, there will also be new controls established at the German, Austrian and French borders. To support the cantons in the areas of public health, logistics and security, the federal government has authorized the deployment of 8000 military personnel.

A working group has been established to monitor the evolution of the situation and share updates as they become available. The FUS community is committed to being part of the solution, and we are working together to make a difference.

Together we can do it! #FranklinWeStand #WeAreFUS

More info at www.fus.edu/coronavirus.