Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,
As many of you prepare for spring-break and possible travel, I am writing to remind and update you on the College’s restrictions and advisories regarding international travel in response to the spread of COVID-19 globally. The College is closely monitoring guidance from Columbia University and from Federal and State Health Departments and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As this is an evolving situation, our policies are subject to change. I will continue to update you accordingly.
As of today, the College’s recommendations and restrictions on travel are as follows:
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The College has suspended all College-sponsored travel to China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea. All of the above countries are currently listed as CDC COVID-19 level-2 or level-3 countries on the CDC website. Please note that the countries on this list may change at any time, and the College may change its suspended travel list accordingly.
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Barnard faculty, staff (and students) are strongly encouraged to postpone any non-essential international travel until further notice, whether for College or personal reasons. Should you choose to travel internationally, your international travel should be registered through International SOS.
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Effective today and for all future international travel, all Barnard faculty, staff (and students) will be required to fill out our Confidential Travel Registration Form at least 72-hours prior to your return to the US. We will provide you with individualized instructions and you may be required to self-isolate for a minimum of 14-days and remain symptom free before returning to either class or work, and before engaging in other College-sponsored activities.
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All faculty, staff (and students) who have returned home from or transited through China, Italy, Japan, Iran, and South Korea in the past 14 days must fill out our Confidential Travel Registration Form. As per NYS Department of Health, all faculty, staff (and students) who have returned home from or transited through China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea will be required to self-isolate for a minimum of 14-days and remain symptom free before returning to either class or work, and before engaging in other activities.
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Barnard is now requiring that all faculty, staff (and students) who have had direct contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 fill out our Confidential Contact Registration Form. We will provide you with individualized instructions and assistance and you may be required to self-isolate for a minimum of 14-days and remain symptom free before returning to either class or work, and before engaging in other activities.
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All faculty-led international course trips have been cancelled indefinitely.
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We suggest that you closely monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Travel Warnings for any changes or additions to travel alerts, as well as Executive Orders and guidance issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Department of State, and US Customs and Border Protection. It is expected that the US will be announcing and amending travel restrictions as the COVID-19 situation evolves and changes.
We will continue to update you as guidance and recommendations change, and as we work collectively to ensure the health and safety of all in our Community.
My best,
Linda A. Bell
Provost