16 March 2020 Update:
The safety and well-being of the Naval Academy community is very important to us. The U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation is actively monitoring the outbreak of the coronavirus/COVID-19. At this time, there are confirmed cases in Maryland, and Maryland has declared a state of emergency. Maryland has imposed a travel ban for state employees and, as part of elevated Level II operations, imposed mandatory telework for all non-essential state employees, effective as of Friday, 13 March.
The U.S. Naval Academy has also delayed the return of the Brigade until further notice, cancelled many Yard events through early April and modified access to the Yard and facilities. Please visit https://www.usna.edu/COVID-19/ for updated information from USNA.
We are committed to our mission of connecting alumni worldwide and supporting the Academy during this COVID-19 global pandemic period. We plan to minimize disruptions to our operations as much as feasible, while also protecting our employees, our Alumni Association and Foundation volunteer leaders, and our alumni visitors and guests in Annapolis.
Effective Close of Business Monday, 16 March 2020, the Alumni Association and Foundation will make the following adjustments:
1. Due to the 16 March executive order by Maryland Governor Hogan prohibiting large gatherings and events and closing senior centers, bars, restaurants, fitness centers and theaters in response to the crisis, the 15 March guidance from the CDC on large events and mass gatherings, and the 13 March updated COVID-19 USNA Yard restrictions and cancellations, the Alumni Association and Foundation will commence telework operations for nonessential staff. All staff will be reachable via published office phone numbers, or the general 410-295-4000 extension, and through email during this period.
2. The Alumni Association and Foundation physical offices and buildings will be closed to public visitors as of Close of Business 16 March. Visitors are encouraged to virtually meet with staff through phone or online meeting tools. Contact staff for the best options.
3. Essential Alumni Association and Foundation staff will support scheduled volunteer or other meetings/activities after 16 March virtually through conference calls or video conferencing options.
4. Essential Alumni Association and Foundation staff will also be available to support mission critical on-site support functions for specified Enterprise or USNA meeting requirements. We will evaluate the public health risks of reopening our offices to the public during the next 30 days. We will extend or adjust, as appropriate, this modified operations plan to protect the health and well-being of our staff, visiting public and all who support our missions. We will communicate future operational changes and event updates via email, social media, our office line (410-295-4046) and www.usna.com.
Thank you for your understanding during this challenging COVID-19 public health period.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Maryland: The Office of Governor Larry Hogan - NEW
U.S. Naval Academy
Maryland Department of Health
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC Guidance on Community Events
World Health Organization
Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center
The New York Times live updates
U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation: https://www.usna.com/covid-19 and social media: (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)