KINGS POINT, N.Y. (March 12, 2020) – The USMMA Coronavirus Response Team continues to meet regularly to discuss issues concerning this challenging and rapidly-evolving health environment.

Today, we want to address some breaking issues that have immediate implications for those returning to USMMA from Spring Break or travel.

This information is applicable to USMMA midshipmen, staff and faculty, and is being shared broadly with friends and families for information purposes.

Since our last correspondence, incidents of the Novel Coronavirus or COVlD-19, have expanded to more countries abroad and also here in the States. Virtually all travel has been impacted in some manner, and cities and states are taking measures to minimize opportunities for the virus to spread.

As you read this, you will likely be making plans to return to Kings Point and the third trimester of the academic year.

Although the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy remains open, we believe that current conditions with respect to COVID-19 are evolving and they preclude us from welcoming the regiment back to the Academy.

Therefore, midshipmen are not to return to the Academy until further notice.

We will have more details to share very soon, so watch your email, USMMA social media and the USMMA website for additional information. Once again, do not return to the Academy at this time.

The decision to delay the return of the regiment is not one we made lightly. After evaluating other options, and current conditions, we believe this is the prudent course of action.

As we said above, we will be back soon with additional details, so we ask for patience as we work through the logistics required to prepare for your return. Of course, we are watching the situation closely and will continue to evaluate options as we move forward.

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ABOUT USMMA

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates leaders of exemplary character who are inspired to serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Academy, which was established under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1943. It is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.

On the web: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

On Facebook: @USMMAOfficial

On Twitter: @USMMAo