Dear All,
After much debate, we have decided that our excavation season will proceed as planned. The pandemic of Covid 19 is serious and it is especially concerning for us since we are working in Italy. In order to be best informed, we are in daily contact with public health officials, epidemiologists, and doctors. (For example, individuals such as Dr. Michael Friedman, the former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration who also worked for the National Institutes of Health. He also served on the Federal Bioterrisom Response Taskforce after 9/11. Dr. Eleanor Friedman, an epidemiologist who wrote a thesis on the SARS coronavirus and quarantine efforts in Singapore. We are also getting updates and information from other doctors who are similarly qualified but not related to Nana.)
With all of this information, we have decided not to cancel or delay our plans to begin excavation this summer for a few reasons
- All the experts we are in contact with are suggesting we proceed with caution but not panic
- As we start excavation in June we have time to further monitor the situation and make informed decisions
- We have connections with the Italian community and we consider each other family. We know no matter what the crisis we would receive excellent support from them if required.
So far there is no reason not to press ahead with our plans. Please know we are taking precautions to ensure the health of our students and staff, which is our utmost concern. We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. We will continue to update everyone as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Nana, Katie, and the LULP team.
Libarna Urban Landscapes project 