February 20, 2020
To: Members of the University Community
From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost
Subject: Update on Spring Travel Precautions
Date: February 21, 2020
As many members of the University community plan for travel for spring break and beyond, I am writing to share safety recommendations regarding international precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The University continues to strongly discourage travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department, which has maintained its highest level of alert for China – Level 4: Do Not Travel. These advisories and related public health precautions can change with little notice. Although the State Department has not yet issued advisories for countries beyond China, travel restrictions could affect additional countries if more cases emerge.
The University strongly advises that anyone planning international travel this spring check carefully on the status of COVID-19 alerts and precautions at all destinations, including layovers. We also ask that all travelers consult the UChicago Travel Toolkit and consider registering in advance with UChicago Traveler. Travelers are encouraged to sign up for International SOS alerts in case the situation changes in countries you may be visiting. Please note, however, that if public health measures cause delays in returning from countries affected by COVID-19, the University may be unable to help travelers return in a timely way.
I know these precautions can present challenges. Many of us have family, friends and colleagues in parts of the world where travel is greatly limited. It is vital that we support each other, avoid uninformed assumptions, and base decisions on the best information available. People who are unsure about their travel plans may contact coronavirusinfo@uchicago.edu for additional information. As usual, the University will provide spring break housing for undergraduates currently in College Housing who need to remain on campus over break. For more information, students can contact housing@uchicago.edu.
International Campuses
The temporary closures of the University’s Center in Beijing and Yuen Campus in Hong Kong remain in effect. Events and programs at those locations and elsewhere in China will continue to be affected while travel restrictions remain in place. We look forward to resuming activities as soon as conditions allow.
Further Resources
The University has created a resource page with University updates and public health information on COVID-19 at coronavirusupdates.uchicago.edu. Further health information is available from UChicago Medicine, CDPH, and the CDC.
Maintaining the health and safety of our community is of paramount importance. Please contact coronavirusinfo@uchicago.edu if you need guidance, resources, or assistance.