AIT Campus Bulletin

 In this issue:

A. Announcements

B. Events 

C. Faculty and Staff Travel  

D. Classifieds (jobs)

A. Announcement

i) Updated Travel Advisories and Large On-Campus Gatherings

E-mail from Vice-President for Administration on 24 February 2020.

Dear AIT Community,

Most recent developments confirm the continued spread of Covid-19 Coronavirus infection across the globe.  Subsequently, new directives and health alerts were issued, especially by our host country the Royal Thai Government, regarding preventative measures against the spread of Coronavirus in Thailand.

In this regard, the Institute is obliged to implement additional measures to prevent the occurrence of such infection in our Institute to maintain the health of our community members and ensure internal operations are not affected.  Remember, policies and measures are changed and updated all the time because of the fast-developing crisis.  Thus, with immediate effect from 25 February 2020 (0000 hours) until further notice, faculty, staff, students, and immediate family members must comply with the following updated travel advisories:

1. The Institute upholds its strict directive against any travel to, transit in, or return from Mainland China.
2. The Institute strongly advises against any travel to or transit in Italy, Japan, and South Korea.

In the circumstance where there are compelling reasons that make it absolutely unavoidable to travel to these three countries, AIT members shall immediately seek approval from the Task Force (vpa@ait.ac.th).  There will be no travel reimbursement from AIT if travel takes place without Task Force approval.  Upon their return to Thailand (from 25 February 2020), they are obligated to the Institute’s mandatory quarantine period of 14 days – following the quarantine regulations shared in earlier announcements (repeated below). 

At this time, do not invite personal or Institute guests to AIT that have recently been to or have been in contact with people who have travelled from Mainland China, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. It goes without saying that visitors from these four locations will NOT be able to attend any AIT events on campus.
3. The Institute advises against any travel to, or transit in, Hong Kong, Iran, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
In the circumstance where there are compelling reasons that make it absolutely unavoidable to travel to these locations, AIT members shall immediately notify the Task Force (vpa@ait.ac.th) for information.  Guests from these locations are discouraged.
4. Finally, the Institute advises AIT staff and students and faculty to reconsider any travel to anywhere else in the world, given the uncertainty of the Coronavirus spread and the rapidly unfolding situation.
Given the continuing spread of the virus, we need to be even more vigilant to prevent new risks.  From today onwards, to supersede my email of 21 February 2020 to the AIT Management Team, any organizing of events larger than 25 people from the outside must be approved by the TF (℅ vpa@ait.ac.th).  The organizers should ensure the strict observance of the practical recommendations outlined in my 21 February 2020 email when considering and/or hosting TF-approved events either on or off-campus.  Those who are organizing events on campus are urged to notify the TF immediately.
If you have any questions on a travel you plan to make, a visitor you plan to host, or an event you plan to hold, please contact the Task Force for advice and policy guidance.  As the global situation changes rapidly, please heed these frequent Task Force messages for the latest AIT policy and measures.  We rely on your honesty with regard to your adherence to these for the good of the Institute overall.
Please remember to stay healthy, and if you or any member of your immediate family residing with you feel unwell, immediately seek medical attention and do keep them at home.
Thank you.

Sincerely
The AIT Covid-19 Task Force
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Below are the quarantine regulations:
a. If you live in a shared accommodation unit, you will be required to move to temporary designated quarantine quarters. If one member of a family or a shared accommodation unit returns from any of the indicated locations, that person will be required to move to the temporary accommodation.
b. Those living off-campus should remain in their home during the 14-day quarantine period and refrain from coming to AIT or go to public spaces, other than absolutely needed.
c.  You must limit your contact with others during this period.
d. Do not attend classes or other academic activities or come to the office during this time. You should not attend sporting and other events and do not eat your meals in the cafeteria, dining hall, and other public eating establishments — do only take-outs.
e.  If you live on campus, a nurse will visit the quarantine quarters every day to take your body temperature. More thorough checkups will be made by a Medical Doctor on the 5th, 10th and 14th day of quarantine.
f. You must minimize your trips outside of your accommodation unit. Meal delivery is available twice a day.
g. You must wear a mask when leaving your accommodation unit.
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