FSE Statement on Coronavirus Impacts
The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan) is closely monitoring the 2019-nCoV (coronavirus) outbreak and taking comprehensive measures to protect its grantees, its staff, and the communities of students and scholars whom we serve in Taiwan.
In light of developments on the mainland, the FSE Cross-Strait Research Workshop, scheduled for March 16-19, 2020, has been canceled.
We have informed our English Teaching Assistants, Scholars, and Fellows of all communications from the Ministry of Education and the Center for Disease Control, including the delayed start-dates for the spring semester, as well as up-to-date information on hygiene, provisions of masks, and self-quarantine procedures for any grantees who may have traveled to affected areas during the winter break.
FSE staff have been granted additional personal leave days based on official government announcements and labor policies.
The Foundation for Scholarly Exchange supports Taiwan’s inclusion via membership or observer status in the World Health Organization. The coronavirus knows no boundaries and takes no sides in political debates. Nor should the WHO. The Foundation affirms the importance of Taiwan’s full participation in global health efforts to limit the spread of the virus and calls on all parties to recognize Taiwan’s expertise, experience, and vested interest in the control of the contagion and treatment of its victims. We ask that all international bodies acknowledge Taiwan’s central role in addressing the crisis and mitigating its effects.
Randall Nadeau
Executive Director, Foundation for Scholarly Exchange