Ticino and Federal
Health Authorities Update

Dear TASIS Community,

I am writing in response to the ongoing developments of the coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy. We are monitoring these developments closely, and we are following the pronouncements of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and cantonal physician Giorgio Merlani. We have been informed that local and federal health officials plan to coordinate this afternoon to discuss what additional measures may be necessary for Ticino. Both authorities have stated that there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Switzerland at this time.

We will provide further updates once we receive news from the local and federal health authorities. We also encourage you to review the following resources to learn more about the current state of the coronavirus and read about important preventative measures.

I would like to add that I am very proud of the kindness, patience, and resilience that our community has shown during these developments. News of the outbreak in northern Italy came at the worst possible time—on the eve of the departure of the majority of our Spring Academic Travel trips—but thanks to the nimble efforts of many, we were able to make adjustments to ensure that none of our groups travels to (or through) Italy at any point in the coming week.

Thank you for your continued patience as we await further pronouncements from the local and national authorities.

Many thanks,

Christopher Nikoloff

TASIS Headmaster