COVID-19 information

Johns Hopkins University is actively monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on the health and well-being of the university community, as well as on the continuity of university operations. This website is updated daily, and all members of the JHU community are advised to check back regularly for new information.

What you need to know

Last updated April 28, 8 a.m.

► JHU President Ron Daniels sent a message to the Hopkins community on April 21 detailing the substantial financial challenges the university is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it plans to meet them, including actions that will “directly and significantly affect JHU employees.” More information »

Academics

► Remote/online programs have been extended through June 30, and all residential and in-person academic programs are canceled through June 30. Many of these programs will shift to online/remote delivery; more information about these changes will be provided by the academic divisions. More information on university operations »

► All academic divisions, in consultation with the Provost’s Office, have taken steps to expand the use of pass/fail grading for the spring 2020 term More information on grading policies »

► A message regarding support for PhD students was sent on Friday, April 10; academic departments are encouraged to be extremely flexible in accommodating disruptions to graduate students’ academic milestones.

► Several policy and deadline changes designed to ease some of the unexpected financial and academic pressures faced by many Homewood undergraduates were announced in a message on Friday, April 10.

University operations

► While the university remains open, telework is the first choice and priority for as many employees as possible, in accordance with Maryland’s stay-at-home order. Employees should be on site only when performing essential tasks. More HR guidance »

► All on-campus research is restricted to essential activities only; non-critical laboratory research activities remain suspended until further notice. More information »

► Access to all campus buildings is restricted—buildings are locked and require key card swipes for entry or will have a staffed on-site security station. More information »

► Nonessential university-sponsored international and domestic travel is suspended. More travel guidance »

Events and services

► All in-person university and third-party events, both on and off campus, are canceled through June 30, including tours, admissions events, athletics events, and alumni events.

► The May 2020 universitywide Commencement exercises will be held virtually; all in-person Commencement ceremonies are canceled.

► The university has created online resources with information and updates related to undergraduate student services and universitywide and school-specific resources relevant to graduate students.

► University and health system shuttles and buses continue to run on a modified schedule due to a reduced number of riders. More information on shuttles and buses »

Regional updates

NEW There have been 19,487 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 85,489 negative tests, and 858 related deaths in Maryland; there have been 3,892 confirmed cases and 185 deaths in Washington, D.C. Maryland recently added racial and ethnic breakdowns and ZIP code data to its online tracking map.

► Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a stay-at-home order for all Marylanders, effective at 8 p.m. on Monday, March 30. No one should leave their home for any reason other than essential work or other limited essential activities. More information »

Health guidance and resources

Your health and the health of our community is our primary concern. If you feel ill, contact the Employee COVID-19 Call Center (employees, post-docs, house staff), or University Health Services or the Student Health and Wellness Center (students). More information »

It is especially important we all take seriously the advice of public health experts for maximizing our own health and the health of others:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cough/sneeze into your elbow
• Practice social and physical distancing

Social distancing

To slow the spread of COVID-19, public health experts encourage social distancing, a practice designed to keep sick individuals from coming in contact with healthy ones in order to limit opportunities for transmission. The CDC recommends avoiding large gatherings and crowds, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others.

The Hub has published a social distancing overview that explores how the practice can “flatten the curve” and help prevent surges in illness that have the potential to overwhelm health care systems and lead to increased loss of life.

Use of masks

Per the new CDC guidelines, all JHU affiliates should wear non-medical, cloth face coverings in public and at work as a way to slow the spread of the virus and help diminish the risk of transmission. This guidance is in addition to the recommended six feet of social distancing.

Additionally, per an executive order issued by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, masks or face coverings must be worn inside all Maryland stores and on public transportation as of Saturday, April 18.

► Mask-making how-to videos: Use a bandana | Use a T-shirt

Due to limited supply at this time, medical masks will be prioritized for the health care setting. All Johns Hopkins Medicine employees are required to wear a surgical, procedural, or cloth face mask while working in any Johns Hopkins Medicine facility.

COVID-19 information for employees

Employees should follow the university sick leave policy and notify your manager if you are sick. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, call 911. If you begin having symptoms of COVID-19 or you are worried that you were exposed, call our Employee COVID-19 Call Center at 443-287-8500, seven days a week, between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

COVID-19 testing for students

University Health Services and the Student Health and Wellness Center are only ordering tests for those who meet the criteria set by Johns Hopkins Infection Control. If it is determined, based on the criteria, to administer a COVID-19 test, it could take up to 24 hours to arrange for the test during the weekday. If your test is being ordered on a weekend, you will be contacted on the next business day to arrange testing. The turnaround time for test results averages one to two days.

More health info and resources

Additional information

International impacts at JHU

Updates on study abroad, operations at SAIS Nanjing and SAIS Europe, and the immigration implications of COVID-19

Mental health resources

Information for members of our who may need additional support amid the global coronavirus outbreak

Supporting an inclusive community

Learn more about the university’s discrimination and harassment policies and procedures