February 1, 2020
Dear Tulane Community:
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared coronavirus a “public health emergency” in the U.S. on January 31, 2020. Following that announcement, the U.S. government implemented the following travel restrictions:
- Foreign nationals who have traveled to China within 14 days are banned from entering the U.S., effective February 2, 2020, 5 p.m. eastern standard time.
- Any U.S. citizen who has been in the Hubei Province within 14 days will be quarantined for 14 days.
- Any U.S. citizen arriving from mainland China or who has been to mainland China within 14 days will undergo screening and up to 14 days of self-monitoring.
The full travel restriction issued by President Trump can be found here.
Tulane University continues to monitor this rapidly changing situation. Tulane’s current policy to monitor and screen individuals entering the U.S. from China and arriving on the Tulane campus will continue for anyone arriving before the new U.S. restrictions go into place (see details in the original Travel Advisory below).
We understand there are questions and concerns about the ability for foreign nationals in China to acquire visas to attend upcoming events and programs at Tulane. Currently, we do not have information on how long and what impacts these travel restrictions may have for future events. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Original Travel Advisory
January 29, 2020
Dear Tulane Community:
In response to the ongoing outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) both the Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China. This level 3 travel advisory recommends avoiding non-essential* travel to the country. While these precautions are necessary to protect everyone, we must always keep in mind that Tulane University is a global institution that values and welcomes members from around the world. At this time, Tulane faculty across multiple schools and centers are already working to employ Tulane expertise and resources in the search for a reliable diagnosis and a cure.
Based on information from the CDC and public health and infectious disease experts, Tulane University is implementing the following travel guidelines and restrictions:
- Effective immediately, Tulane students, faculty and staff MAY NOT TRAVEL to China for university business or university academic purposes, including but not limited to study abroad, internships, academic work for credit, service, conferences or presentations, teaching, training, performances, recruiting or athletic competitions. Requests for exceptions to this policy should be sent to the Provost.
- Travel to China for personal reasons is strongly discouraged.
- Hosting incoming visitors traveling from China since the outbreak for university-related purposes (visiting lecturers, visiting scholars, researchers, etc.) requires prior approval of the school dean or appropriate vice president and the Provost before the visitor’s arrival.
Other University-wide Precautions (All Campuses)
- Individuals planning travel to China that is not otherwise suspended above are strongly encouraged to contact their school dean or appropriate vice president and the Provost.
- Anyone who is considering hosting visitors (including family) from China on university property is required to obtain approval from the school dean or appropriate vice president and Provost prior to the visitor's arrival.
- Faculty, staff and student travelers returning from China are required to contact the Tulane Student Health Center** by telephone 504-862-8121 (business hours) or 855-487-0290 (after hours) within 24 hours of their arrival in the U.S. from China and prior to returning to campus to arrange and complete a medical screening.
- Faculty, staff, students and visitors arriving from China may be required to self-isolate for up to 14 days upon their arrival in the US as determined by healthcare professionals in alignment with CDC guidance.
- Faculty, staff and students contemplating travel to China must adhere to the items above and are strongly encouraged to visit the CDC website for Travel Notices and Updates.
- Tulane will continue to follow this rapidly evolving situation and may modify these measures as further information becomes available.
We encourage any student, faculty or staff in China to reach out to their school dean or the Provost for help or assistance during this time.
*Non-Essential Travel: University business or academic purposes, including but not limited to study abroad, internships, to perform academic work for credit, service, conferences or presentations, teaching or training, performances, recruiting or athletic competitions in China.
**Tulane Student Health Center is coordinating screening for Faculty, Staff and Students.
