COVID-19 Information

July 17, 2020  (Revised August  13, 2020)

To the University Community,

As we continue to navigate through the Our Cougar Commitment, Return to SIUE, Phase 4 and Fall 2020 plan, we wanted to provide the latest information on travel zones that are considered to be dangerous and expand on the University’s expectations regarding returning from travel in order to return to campus. To that end, we have developed more detailed plans for current and future travel expectations. The following language will be added to the  Cougar Commitment  plan. 

Travel

• International
  • 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 CDC defines to no longer be in an “orange” or “red” zone (i.e. the two most risky categories). CDC travel recommendations by country can be found here.

• Domestic
  • 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.
  • University-related travel is allowed with the approval of the appropriate Vice Chancellor. Considerations for approval will include the Harvard Global Health Institute Risk Map by County/State found  here . Please note that travel to a “red” zone (i.e. the  most risky  category) will be prohibited.  
  • Travel between SIUE campuses is still permitted.

• Personal travel

• • 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.  
  • To protect the health and safety of our campus, we are asking faculty and staff to carefully consider risk to the shared community when making decisions regarding personal travel and follow CDC Guidelines for travel both  internationally and within the  United States. 
  • As you make plans for personal travel, discuss with your supervisor, IN ADVANCE, what options are available to you should you need to quarantine upon return.    
  • The University cannot restrict personal travel. However, we do expect anyone who travels internationally to follow CDC guidelines as defined here, and anyone who travels domestically to a “red” zone (i.e. the most risky category) as defined here by the Harvard Global Health Institute, to stay home for 14 days from the time they return home.
    • During this 14-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 (about 6 feet).

• Time Reporting
  • During a 14-day quarantine, the employee can report their time using the following options:
    • Working Remotely (if authorized)
    • Vacation
    • Sick Time (if sick) including SIUE sick benefit and Families First Coronavirus Response Act sick benefits (if applicable)
    • Unpaid Leave

• • Look-Back Period
    • The time period for the 14-day quarantine begins on the day the employee returned home from the travel (regardless of when this plan is approved).  
    • For the purposes of implementing this plan, if an employee has already traveled to a “red” zone during the two weeks prior to the adoption of this plan, and can’t work remotely, any remainder of their time not worked during the two-week look-back period can be documented as paid time off instead of vacation time.  

• Student Travel
  • Guidance regarding University-related student travel  are forthcoming . 

• Athletics
  • Travel guidelines for Intercollegiate Athletics will be determined by the NCAA and has been communicated to those staff and students.  

Whether personal, official University business or University-sponsored business travel, if an individual is known to be directly exposed to someone positive for COVID-19, the expectation is to quarantine for 14 days upon return. (Directly exposed is defined by the CDC as having been in close contact for more than 15 minutes without the recommended PPE with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 during the previous 14 days.) 

As we navigate through these changing times, we remain strongly committed to the health and safety of our campus community. Thank you for your continued flexibility and understanding. 

Sincerely,

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor 
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs 
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement 
Rich Walker, Vice Chancellor for Administration 
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs