March 2 Update

To the Penn Community:

We are writing with an update on important new developments in Penn’s response to the global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This is a fast-evolving situation that is understandably causing high levels of concern. 

A University-wide task force has been charged with reviewing  – and updating as needed – our existing pandemic planning procedures. It is led by Dr. Benoit Dubé, Chief Wellness Officer, and Michael Fink, Deputy Chief for Tactical and Emergency Readiness of the Penn Police, working with experts across campus and coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies.

Effective immediately, all University-affiliated travel to China, Italy, Iran, and South Korea is suspended in accordance with CDC guidance. We strongly recommend that all members of the Penn community also avoid any personal travel to these countries. If you do travel to any of these countries, we recommend 14 days of self-isolation before returning to campus. Please also register all Penn-related travel so that we will know where you are and can provide resources in case of an emergency. 

As spring break approaches, we ask all travelers to weigh the necessity of any upcoming travel and understand the risks involved, even beyond the CDC risk assessment. All international travelers are putting themselves at an increased risk of exposure to coronavirus disease. This potential exposure can be compounded by unexpected delays and cumbersome logistics upon returning to the US, including the potential for missed classes due to self-isolation. We urge all members of the Penn community to consider these risks when deciding whether to move forward with their travel plans.

We have been in close contact with Penn students currently on study abroad programs and are advising them on options to return home. Schools and centers that are planning short-term study abroad or non-credit programs for Spring Break should review these programs and consider postponing or providing alternative activities for students who are not comfortable traveling abroad at this time.

We appreciate the help of every member of the Penn community, and we will continue to update our central University webpage with answers to Frequently Asked Questions, as well as other essential resources and information.

February 26 Update

To the Penn Community:

We are writing with an update on Penn’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There is an understandably high level of concern as this virus spreads, and we are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Dr. Benoit Dubé, our Chief Wellness Officer, is leading these efforts, partnering with Penn Medicine, Penn Global and public health leaders across the campus, city and state.

We have created—and will continually update—one Penn webpage with answers to Frequently Asked Questions, as well as other resources and information about the coronavirus.

Penn travelers with questions about travel abroad should consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance on travel restrictions. The CDC has recently issued travel warnings and alerts for China, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan, which include avoiding all non-essential travel to mainland China and South Korea. All other travel can continue at the discretion of the sponsoring School, center or program. Please register all Penn-related travel so that we will know where you are and can provide resources in case of an emergency. 

Penn travel recommendations will continue to align with CDC travel guidelines. For example, if the CDC raises a warning level on a country to level 3 (avoid all non-essential travel), Penn will similarly restrict University-affiliated travel to that country or region. If you are a faculty or staff member who has essential University travel to a level 3 country (currently China or South Korea), you must notify your dean of your travel plans, clearly outlining the essential reasons for travel. Your dean will then work with Risk Management and the Wellness Office to consider your travel request. 

Any travelers returning from China will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days in accordance with guidelines from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, Penn will adopt additional guidelines for self-isolation for travelers from other countries as recommended. Please keep this in mind as you plan spring break travel.

Influenza-like illnesses are still common at this time of year, and we advise everyone to take steps to stay healthy, including getting a flu vaccine, frequent handwashing, avoiding shared utensils, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, and staying home if you are not feeling well.

We appreciate the help of every member of the Penn community, and we will continue to update you as this global situation moves forward.

—Wendell E. Pritchett, Provost

—Craig R. Carnaroli, Executive Vice President

—Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives

—Benoit Dubé, Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer