What's new
- New CDC Travel Health Notices
- New U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
- Federal order regarding incoming travelers from Europe
Indiana University continues to closely monitor the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 and prepare for the various ways it will impact the university. IU had previously suspended university-affiliated international travel, and that policy and more guidance for personal travel are updated below. At this time, IU strongly discourages international travel for any reason.
Many in the IU community may have questions following last night’s address from the White House, which included news of a 30-day travel ban on incoming travel from Europe. The presidential proclamation is only one of several new advisories regarding international travel that were adopted yesterday. While details are still emerging, here is what we know and the steps we are taking to inform and support students, faculty, and staff.
What was announced?
- The U.S. Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory (reconsider travel) due to the continuing spread of coronavirus COVID-19. (page removed)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a global Level 2 Travel Alert (page removed) (special precautions for high-risk travelers).
- For the 26 European countries within the Schengen Area (listed below), the CDC has issued a Level 3 Warning (avoid nonessential travel), citing the widespread sustained transmission of coronavirus COVID-19 throughout the region. Other countries already subject to the Level 3 warning are China, Iran, and South Korea. (page removed)
- A presidential proclamation has been issued that suspends entry into the United States by foreign nationals (subject to certain exceptions) who have been in the 26 European countries within the Schengen Area at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled arrival. The proclamation imposes certain restrictions on U.S. citizens and permanent residents who travel into the United States after visiting the Schengen area: they must arrive via selected airports that have the capacity to conduct additional health screening, and they must self-quarantine for a period of 14 days following arrival.
Updated IU Travel Policy
IU has already suspended all university-affiliated international travel until at least April 6. The presidential proclamation for Europe extends until approximately April 13. Additionally, IU is now suspending all university-affiliated travel to Europe (Schengen Area) until April 15.
In light of the CDC's decision to issue a Level 2 travel alert for all countries, identifying special precautions for high-risk travelers, IU has amended its travel policy to require self-quarantine only by travelers returning from countries under a Level 3 warning.
For those in the IU community who have immediate personal plans to travel internationally:
As the foregoing indicates, international travel for any reason carries with it serious risks:
- COVID-19 is a very serious and highly communicable disease with many parts of the world experiencing growing, widespread and sustained transmission. While certain portions of the population are more vulnerable than others, it can be extremely serious for anyone and for those you come in contact with if you get it.
- In response to the outbreak, many governments are taking action to limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Such measures are often adopted quickly and without notice. Travelers may become stranded due to new restrictions or lack of transportation capacity.
Any student, faculty member, or staff member returning from a country under a CDC Level 3 warning must self-quarantine off campus for 14 days before returning to any IU campus. This is a critically important public health measure. There will be no exceptions. This requirement currently applies to China, Iran, South Korea, and the twenty-six European countries in the Schengen Area; however, the CDC may add additional countries to the Level 3 list with little warning.
Students should make prior arrangements with their instructors if they will miss additional class time due to these new travel conditions.
For all IU employees, the absence must be approved by your immediate supervisor. Faculty and staff must make advance arrangements with their supervisors or school or campus leadership to assure continuity in performing their duties and should prepare for a possible long-term stay should changes be implemented in any given country during their time abroad.
Because of its risks, IU strongly discourages international travel for any reason.
For those in the IU community currently in Europe:
Given the CDC Level 3 alert issued on March 11, IU has advised students currently participating in study abroad programs in Schengen countries in Europe to return to the United States. In cooperation with the local program providers and institutions, the Office of Overseas Study has already reached out to these students to support them. Other members of the IU community currently in Europe should consider returning as soon as practicable.
Anyone with specific questions or needs related to this issue should contact: AVPpsia@iu.edu.
Additional resources
- Visit coronavirus.iu.edu for information, tips, frequently asked questions, and additional resources about coronavirus COVID-19.
- European countries within the Schengen Area include: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.