CASE Statement on the Novel Coronavirus
At a meeting on 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Shortly thereafter, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar declared a public health emergency in the United States. In Australia, the government is taking a highly precautionary approach based on the latest and best medical advice. The UK and French governments have told their citizens in China to leave the country if they could, with the British Foreign Office saying it will charter another special flight on Sunday.
As a global association with member institutions in 82 countries, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recognizes the importance of clear and accurate communications regarding the public health situation in the regions where we operate. CASE encourages all of our member institutions to pay careful attention to the public health announcements of the governing bodies where they are located, and to assess the public health situation in the countries where they have planned activities that require international travel.
As the individuals and institutions that comprise CASE assess their individual situations, it is important to remember that the free exchange of ideas—including the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives of institutions located elsewhere in the world—is a critical aspect of our global community, enabling learning from innovations that arise in many geographies. International engagement among the scientists who are working now to develop a vaccine signals the continuing importance of advanced research and information-sharing among disciplines and across borders. CASE celebrates and encourages this ongoing exchange that is characteristic of our member institutions
We will be monitoring the latest travel advisories from the World Health Organization and the governmental agencies in the countries where we offer programs, and will provide updates to this policy as the situation requires.
About CASE
CASE—the Council for Advancement and Support of Education—is a global, not-for-profit membership association with a vision to advance education to transform lives and society.
CASE is the home for advancement professionals, inspiring, challenging, and equipping them to act effectively and with integrity to champion the success of their institutions. CASE defines the competencies and standards for the profession of advancement, leading, and championing their dissemination and application with more than 97,000 advancement professionals at 3,100 member institutions in 80 countries.
Broad and growing communities of professionals gather under the global CASE umbrella. Currently these include alumni relations, development services, communications, fundraising, government relations, and marketing. These professionals are at all stages of their careers and may be working in universities, schools, colleges, cultural institutions, or other not-for-profits. CASE uses the intellectual capital and professional talents of a community of international volunteers to advance its work, and its membership includes many educational partners who work closely with the educational sector.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., CASE works across all continents from its regional offices in London, Singapore, and Mexico City to achieve a seamless experience for all its stakeholders, particularly its members, volunteers, and staff.