Dear Emory Staff Members,

I write you today with pride in how each of you rallied to beat back the recent COVID-19 surge among our students. Your actions provided for our students’ most pressing needs and quickly contained what could have become a very dangerous situation. 

The scope of your collaboration was impressive—from those who swiftly coordinated information technology, operations, and infrastructure to the hands-on efforts of compliance coordinators, testing and lab operations staff, and Emory emergency response teams.

In a matter of hours, you expanded and enhanced testing and notification procedures, strengthened safety protocols, and communicated the university’s response, including the urgent need for increased compliance and safer off-campus behaviors. 

Most important, our students received heartfelt care and support from isolation and quarantine staff, academic liaisons and Campus Life coordinators, and health care and mental health professionals. 

Aided by your comprehensive planning and dedication, COVID-19 case counts returned to pre-surge levels within 10 days—an incredible turnaround!

Thank you for your outstanding service to Emory and for your commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community.