Dear Members of the University Community,

Our University management team on the situation with the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus causing COVID-19 infection today held a new meeting that reviewed the situation at the University

The first 2 incidents were reported in Cyprus.

The need to constantly take all measures of personal hygiene and protection is reiterated. If symptoms occur, contact your personal physician or phone 1420 immediately and apply strict self-limiting measures. The University, in collaboration with government agencies, is stepping up its efforts to counter the spread of the phenomenon.

The following decisions have been taken with immediate effect:

Traveling abroad

All members of the University Community are urged to avoid all personal or business trips abroad until April 30.

All business trips to Category 1 and 2 countries / regions are prohibited, as shown in the ever-updated international directory published by the Ministry of Health. The University will reimburse expenses in the event of cancellations of such arrangements made before 10 March.

All faculty members, special teaching staff, and Administrative Personnel are advised to follow procedures for applying to travel leave (in countries / regions beyond Category 1 and 2) and in addition as requested by the Rector. That is to say, in addition to the President / Dean's signature, the Rector's signature is required as well.

All individual and group student trips abroad will be canceled by April 30, 2020.

It is recommended for students to avoid traveling outside Cyprus on Easter holidays.

Courses

The syllabus is currently running as normal. Cancellation of a lesson requires the Teacher to inform the Rector by email and obtain permission from him.

Postponement / Cancellation of Events and other activities

It has been decided to postpone some mass events such as the Career Day (March 19) and the RUN4ALL Corporate Race Charity (May 3). Also, by April 30, any new events / conferences / seminars within the University should be avoided or planned.

Special Committees for the Development of Faculty Members

In view of the difficulty of the amount of people needed to attend such meeting, and for people to logon online remotely; all such meetings will be postponed to further notice. Costs of external members already made will be reimbursed.

The University Management Team is constantly on the alert and announcements will be made as developments unfold.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Panagiotis Zafiris

Rector of the Cyprus University of Technology