Dear USF Community,
As we near a much-anticipated spring break, we know many of you are planning to travel for rest, relaxation or recreation. Many of you may also be planning to travel for academic or professional purposes, such as to attend conferences, give lectures, present research, or other activities.
As of March 3, USF has canceled all university-sanctioned international travel activities for spring break, including those for education abroad, student organizations or department-sponsored programs or conferences. (If you are affected by one of these cancellations, you should have received a separate communication with more information and guidance.)
For those of you who plan to travel on your own for various reasons, we offer the following information for your consideration, particularly if you are planning to travel outside the United States. It’s important that you are fully informed of the potential risks.
Travel is currently prohibited by the U.S. government to any countries at a Level 3 or Level 4 risk assessment. As of today, these include China, Italy, Iran and South Korea. The Florida Board of Governors has also asked universities to prohibit travel to Japan, which is currently at Level 2. However, the situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus is fluid; any country could become a Level 3 country at any time, including while you are visiting. If that should occur while you are in the country, understand that:
- You could find it difficult to access health care services or to acquire health-related supplies.
- You could find it difficult to secure transportation out of the country.
- You could be subject to local quarantine in the country you are visiting.
- You could be subject to U.S. quarantine upon your return.
- You could be asked to self-isolate before returning to campus.
As the situation evolves in the United States, it may also become risky to travel within the country. Please refer to the following resources for up-to-date information, and use your best judgment before traveling:
Please continue to practice good disease prevention. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick.
We will continue to provide frequent updates. Continue to check this website for additional information.
Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Sincerely,
Steven C. Currall
President and Professor