From the AD: Letter to the Community Regarding COVID-19
3/19/2020 5:00:00 PM | General
From the desk of Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Michigan:
As we all navigate through these unprecedented times due to the effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we want to share an update from Michigan Athletics.
First, this is a severe and rapidly changing issue that affects everyone worldwide. Our focus continues to be on the health and safety of everyone associated with the University of Michigan, Michigan Athletics, the state of Michigan, and our country. We cannot stress enough that everyone should follow the guidelines from local and national health experts, including the White House coronavirus task force and CDC, to slow the spread of the virus for as long as it takes.
Visit the CDC's COVID-19 website at coronavirus.gov for information on how to protect yourself, what to do if you think you are sick, and more.
Michigan Athletics is committed to doing our part. While the Big Ten Conference's cancellation of the remaining winter and spring sports seasons is hugely disappointing to many -- most notably our dedicated student-athletes, coaches and staff -- we know this step was necessary to combat the spread of this aggressive virus by limiting large gatherings.
We have made considerable adjustments to our daily operations yet continue vitally essential functions in support of our more than 900 student-athletes, even as many of them continue their studies from remote locations. It gives me incredible pride to let you know that our student-athletes, coaches and staff have shown great character and understanding about the importance of supporting the efforts to limit the effects of the coronavirus in this country.
There are many unknowns related to the impact on intercollegiate athletics, including the NCAA proposing eligibility relief for student-athletes in spring sports and potentially winter sports. Those details and many other issues are actively being worked out. The top priority remains to stop the spread of this virus and defeat it.
Several of our coaches have supported the University's efforts to encourage behaviors that will help slow the spread and "flatten the curve" by recording PSAs. One is men's basketball coach Juwan Howard, who last week after the Big Ten Tournament was canceled tweeted:
"Some things are bigger than basketball. This is a global situation and we need to make sure we follow the guidance and direction of the experts and health officials. While we are disappointed with not being able to play this event — especially for (seniors) Zavier (Simpson) and Jon (Teske) -- we need to stay bonded together during this time. We want everyone to stay safe and take precautions to protect yourselves and loved ones. We are a Michigan family ... forever."
We echo his sentiments. This is bigger than sports. We all play a critical role in helping defeat this virus as quickly as possible.
As President Schlissel has asked, our university community is working remotely, as possible. Accordingly, the majority of our staff is doing everything that we can while working remotely to support our fans and community.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us via email. If your questions are specific to event ticketing, our office is closed, but our staff is responding via our main phone line (866-296-6849) and email (MTickets@umich.edu).
We will continue to provide updates across our athletic channels as possible. Thank you for everything you do to support Michigan Athletics. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you in the stands when competition resumes.
Go Blue!
For the latest on Michigan Athletics and COVID-19, please visit MGoBlue.com/covid19.
