Dear Colleagues:

This afternoon, Maine Governor Janet T. Mills issued an executive order, effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 12:01 a.m., instructing all non-essential, publicly-facing businesses in Maine to close to the public until Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. due to the COVID-19 situation.

Bates is categorized as essential and remains open to teach the academic program remotely, serve the approximately 100 students remaining in residence on our campus,  and maintain the functioning of our campus facilities and systems. The Governor’s executive order cites the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, “Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response,” dated March 19, 2020, to define essential businesses and operations. The definition includes: “Educators supporting public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for the purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing other essential functions, if operating under rules for social distancing.”

As of today, most faculty and staff are already working remotely, and we would ask those of you to continue your duties accordingly. A group of employees remain on campus to support the remote academic program, support the students in residence, maintain vital facilities, and perform critical business and other functions that cannot be accomplished remotely.  

We urge you to be mindful of your health and any potential symptoms of the virus. If you are required to continue your work on campus for the remainder of the semester and feel ill, please do not report to work and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Regardless of your work environment, please keep in mind the following as you interact with others:

·   Avoid physical contact (handshakes, hugs, kisses hello, etc.)

·   Maintain physical distance between yourself and others

·   Wash your hands frequently (especially after being around others)

·   Avoid passing shared communal objects between people

·   Do not share food or beverages

For employees experiencing difficulties in any area of their lives, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service for all Bates employees and their dependents. You can reach EAP at (888) 238-6232 or online. The EAP site has a webinar with information on how to protect you and your family from the coronavirus as well as a list of resources for information on coping with coronavirus fears.

Thank you for your patience, hard work, and flexibility during these turbulent times. We will keep you updated as this fast-moving situation continues to evolve.

Sincerely, Geoff