Important Information on France's Covid-19 Response

THIS POST IS A REPUBLISHED VERSION OF AN EMAIL COMMUNICATION SENT BY AUP PRESIDENT CELESTE M. SCHENCK ON MARCH 16, 2020, ABOUT COVID-19 AND AUP'S RESPONSE. IT IS PART OF OUR SAFETY & SECURITY BLOG THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

President Macron has addressed the nation, announcing several new measures in response to the Covid-19 situation in France. As of midday tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, and for at least 15 days renewable, French residents are no longer allowed to leave their homes for any nonessential reasons, including for social or family gatherings. Macron announced that anyone found to be breaking these rules will risk legal action. The announcements put France on a similar level to Spain and Italy. Trips to the grocery store, to medical professionals or to work, if residents cannot work at home, will still be permitted. Supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential businesses are remaining open, but it is advised to stay at home wherever possible.

Macron also announced that starting tomorrow midday the European Union will be closing its borders to all travel for at least the next 30 days. European citizens will be allowed to return to the territory, but any foreigners seeking to leave the EU will need to go through their respective embassies. It is important to restate that all AUP students currently in Paris will receive the full support of the University. As a community, we will come together to ensure that all students affected by this policy receive the care and attention they need to continue their studies. Instructions about the support groups we are creating will go out as early as tomorrow.

Please also be aware that nonessential medical appointments are being canceled across the city to free up the health service for its Covid-19 response. If those staying in Paris have any questions about health plans, prescriptions or medical appointments, please contact the Health Office (01 40 62 05 77 or healthaup.edu).

In order to comply with the government’s restrictions, all students who remain in Paris must cancel any planned excursions immediately. Supermarkets, food stores, and takeout from restaurants all remain open, so there is no need to stockpile or panic buy.

Social gatherings of any size are no longer permitted, and that includes parties and picnics. I would encourage all of you, however, to engage in social activities digitally; I have already heard wonderful stories of apéros via videoconference across the AUP community. In this period of social distancing, it is important to remember that we can still rely on the support of our friends, families, mentors and colleagues; physical distance must not be confused with emotional distance – in fact, in the sense of the latter, we need to be closer than ever via social networking.

As of Tuesday, March 17, our mentors will begin reaching out to those students who chose to remain in Paris in order to engage in daily check-ins with an assigned group of students to respond to questions and provide any needed support. As soon as you hear from your mentor, please respond. I encourage all of you to take part in these group sessions, which will also serve to bring our community together in solidarity throughout the coming days and weeks.

From this point on, we will be splitting our communication with you all into two streams: one for those who have opted to stay in Paris, and another for those who have returned home. If you have not yet let us know your plans, you must respond to the remote learning request webform now. We will continue daily communications with students in Paris, ensuring that everyone who is directly affected has the latest news about the French government’s Covid-19 response. For students who have returned home, we will continue to keep you updated on major developments and any announcements related to remote learning or AUP life.

If anyone in Paris displays symptoms of Covid-19 – most notably a high fever, dry cough or shortness of breath – please immediately call International SOS (01 55 63 36 35) and follow their instructions. I strongly advise all students who have returned home to familiarize themselves with their local Covid-19 hotlines and to keep a close eye on the advice and updates from their local authorities.

AUP has a strong community of global explorers who have a history of cooperation and kindness of which I am extremely proud. Time and again over these last weeks, I have seen students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, friends and board members come together to rise to the occasion and support each other through unprecedented times. I cannot express enough my thanks to each and every one of you.