Here’s a message of solidarity from East-West Center and updates about COVID-19
Media Release:
Dear East-West Center ‘Ohana,
OUR hearts go out to EWC alumni and everyone affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. We urge you and your families to take every possible precaution to ensure your safety and limit its spread. Here at the Center, we are doing everything we can to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our residents, staff, and community. Here is an update on our efforts.
We actively track the situation and respond to guidance from the World Health Organization, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our local public-health authorities. We have suspended public access to EWC offices and buildings until further notice, and have canceled or postponed EWC public events. Our management team meets on Zoom daily to determine any new actions to take in response to this volatile situation.
The Center’s mission is based on public engagement and dialogue, but we are now carrying out our mission virtually. Center operations continue, while non-essential staff telework from home, staying in contact through phone, email, and other online connections. We are taking social distancing seriously during these worrisome times.
The University of Hawaii has moved to online instruction for the rest of the spring semester. Many of our students have returned home and some are still leaving, but we still have around 200 in residence. The Center staff works vigorously to ensure their wellbeing through frequent online communications. Our goal is to help them achieve continuing educational success online while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
EWC alumni are an integral part of our community. Please stay in touch with us and check our website regularly. It has been heartwarming to hear from alumni asking what they can do to assist us during this crisis. We will soon share some opportunities for alumni and friends to support our on-campus students during this critical time.
Please visit the EWC Coronavirus Response page and FAQ page for information and updates, and feel free to contact EWCinfo@EastWestCenter.org or (808) 944-7111 if you have any questions.
All best wishes and Aloha,
Richard R. Vuylsteke (PhD)
President, East-West Center