COVID-19 Information

December 14, 2020

Colleagues,  

On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the CDC updated its guidance regarding what individuals should do after international and domestic travel. As a result, SIUE has updated its travel policy regarding University-related domestic and international travel and personal travel for employees.  

Whether personal, official University business or University-sponsored business, the current pandemic conditions make travel a high-risk activity by increasing possible exposure to COVID-19. If an individual travels as described below, the expectation is to stay away from campus upon return.  

An individual exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or identified as a close contact must follow the appropriate guidelines for isolation and/or quarantine, which is different than this policy. 

International University Travel 

University-related travel remains prohibited until further notice. In the future, when University-related international travel resumes, these requests will only be approved to or through any country that the CDC defines as no longer being in an “orange” or “red” zone by the CDC.   

Domestic University Travel 

While domestic travel for University business is allowed with approval from the appropriate vice chancellor, travel in general is discouraged, particularly to areas where the number of individuals diagnosed with the COVID virus is increasing.  

• Individuals approved for domestic University travel are expected to follow the CDC’s recommendations related to domestic travel 
•  After travel, individuals are expected to follow these CDC recommendations: 
  • Stay away from campus upon return for 10 days after travel, OR
  • Get tested with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel, even if you test negative* 

 Personal travel 

 The University cannot restrict personal travel. However, to protect the health and safety of our campus, faculty and staff who travel internationally or domestically to a “red zone” county on the Harvard Global Health Institute’s COVID Risk Levels Dashboard are expected to stay away from campus. 

After travel, individuals are expected to follow these CDC recommendations: 

• Stay away from campus upon return for 10 days after travel, OR 
• Get tested with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home for 7 days after travel, even if you test negative* 

*The saliva-based COVID test used as part of SIUE’s testing program during spring 2021 is a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Employees may utilize this test or any other PCR test of their choosing that meets the criteria.   

Discuss with your supervisor, IN ADVANCE, what options are available to you should you need to stay home upon return.    

During this 7 or 10-day period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:   

• Take your temperature with a thermometer two times per day and monitor for fever. Watch for a cough or trouble breathing. Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature. 
• Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school. 
• Do not take public transportation, taxis or ride-shares. 
• Keep your distance from others (approx. 6 feet). 

During this 7 or 10-day period, the employee can report their time using the following options: 

• Working remotely (if authorized) 
• Vacation 
• Sick time (if sick) 
• Unpaid leave 

This guidance is about travel that is different from your everyday activities, away from your local community. For advice on how to safely meet basic household needs within your local community, see CDC’s webpage about  running essential errands.

See the attached charts for additional information.

 
We wish you a restful and rejuvenating break period.   

Stay safe.  Stay well.   

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs   
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration   
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs