NEWS RELEASE

4/8/03

Elaine C. Ray, News Service: (650) 723-7162, elaineray@stanford.edu

Relevant Web URLs:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/ucomm/sars

Stanford University statement on SARS

Stanford University has been carefully monitoring the situation regarding recent reports of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Officials have been in contact with public health agencies and have determined that there is no health emergency on campus.

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, we have identified and set aside several guest cottages on campus that can be used in the event that a student might need to be isolated. Unfortunately, four of these cottages had been occupied by undergraduates, and eight students are currently being relocated. Although we regret that students are being asked to vacate their rooms after the beginning of Spring Quarter, we believe this is a prudent precaution to take to ensure the safety of the entire campus community.

In an ongoing effort to address concerns students, faculty and staff might have about SARS, the university has developed a website, www.stanford.edu/dept/ucomm/sars.

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