Update on Duke's Operational Plans

Members of the Duke Community,

As the State of North Carolina moves to Phase 3 of pandemic restrictions on Friday October 3, we write to advise you that Duke University will not be changing campus safety protocols and practices.

University facilities such as the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, the Nasher Museum of Art and Duke Chapel remain closed to the public, though limited student access is available (check with each venue for reservations). Also, the Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center will be open to the public as a one-stop early voting site from Oct. 15-31.

These precautions should also be practiced beyond the campus. Students are required to observe these guidelines off campus, and faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to do so as well. While a large portion of our workforce continues to work remotely, we continue to receive reports of COVID cases from employees who have attended larger family or community gatherings, especially when social distancing and masking are not being practiced.

The Duke community has shown extraordinary resolve to date in following the advice and recommendations from our medical and public health experts. This discipline is the reason we have been able to continue our classes and student life on campus. We must continue these efforts to ensure the safety of our community and the continuation of our mission-critical operations.

Thank you for your ongoing support of your teams in helping Duke respond to the unique challenges of this time.

Sincerely,

Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration, Emergency Coordinator
Jennifer Francis, Executive Vice Provost
Mary Pat McMahon, Vice President/Vice Provost, Campus Life