The University of New Mexico will reduce the number of employees on campus and instruct some staff to work from home — the latest measure to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
According to a press release from UNM President Garnett Stokes, staff will be notified Monday, March 16 if they will be asked to work from home.
“UNM employees are a critical and valued part of our community and will continue to be compensated during this period of limited operations,” the release said.
Staff Council President Ryan Gregg said he supported Stokes’ decision to limit the number of staff on campus.
“I have every confidence that the plan announced tonight serves the goals of delivering on our mission to students and the state of New Mexico as well as keeping staff whole through continued compensation,” Gregg said in a statement released to the Daily Lobo.
This is the latest announcement in the torrent of news releases, administrative meetings, cancellations and postponements on Friday. The changes come as New Mexico grapples with 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and attempts to limit the number of cases in New Mexico, according to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
As of March 12, the governor's office said 10 people have COVID-19, five of which are in Bernalillo County.
Student Health and Counselling (SHAC), student housing and Zimmerman Library are among the critical units at UNM to remain open, according to the release and administrators in those departments.
“As of right now, the extended break affects students in regards to coursework only not employment,” Financial Aid Manager Elizabeth Amador said in an email to the student employment listserv. “Student employees may continue working up to 28 hours (20 hours for international students) per week.”
Justin Garcia is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at editorinchief@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Just516garc
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