Public Safety Advisory - Coronavirus - March 4, 2020

Personal risks and potential consequences of coronavirus COVID-19

This information is intended to help you make a fully informed decision regarding travel given the quickly changing global situation with novel coronavirus and COVID-19 illness.

This information is especially important for you to consider in connection with spring break travel.

Indiana University is closely following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help mitigate the risks to the IU community. While guidance may evolve with the global and domestic situation each day, these measures are now in effect:

1. Every person traveling for any reason from a Level 2 or Level 3 country for COVID-19 MUST self-quarantine off campus for 14 days upon return to the US. Today, the list includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, but new countries could be added at any time including while you are traveling.
2. Indiana University and local hospitals do not have the capacity to provide space for those who need to self-quarantine. You will not be allowed to return to residential housing, your office, or to be on campus during your self-quarantine period. You must return to your permanent residence or make your own arrangements to be elsewhere. The self-quarantine period is your personal responsibility.
3. The US Government has already suspended entry to the U.S. from some countries by foreign nationals and advised against non-essential travel to other countries.
4. IU will work with faculty to help students who cannot attend class with alternate academic plans to complete courses and degrees.
5. IU will take additional steps as warranted in this rapidly evolving situation. Those could possibly include the need to continue courses remotely. IU’s resources to support remote teaching can be found at keepteaching.iu.edu. IU’s latest information will continue to be posted at protect.iu.edu.
6. If you choose to travel outside of the U.S., faculty, staff, and students should complete the IU Traveler Information Form. Providing this information will help the university to locate you if there are changes in travel restrictions or the status of the virus around the world. If you are an international student or scholar, you must also consult with the Office of International Services (Bloomington and regional campuses) or the Office of International Affairs (IUPUI) prior to travel.
7. The requirement to self-quarantine for 14 days applies to all visitors to an IU campus, regardless of the purpose or duration of the visit. Visits from Level 2 and 3 countries that have not yet occurred must be canceled or postponed until further notice. Long-term visitors or appointees should be informed of the self-quarantine requirement before they travel to IU. As above, the university cannot provide alternative housing during the self-quarantine period.

As a university community, we are in uncertain times that put renewed emphasis on personal choices and personal responsibilities. IU strongly urges you to reconsider any unnecessary travel and to rigorously follow CDC guidance by frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer, and keeping your hands away from your face.