Spring Break 2020 Safety Recommendations

March 6, 2020

Dear Boilermakers –

Spring break is right around the corner. Here at Purdue University, your health and safety remain paramount, both while you are on campus and within the communities you may travel to and from over the break. I write today to provide guidance, recommendations, and reminders of best practices to safeguard you and our community at-large.

Please know that while there are currently no cases of COVID-19 at Purdue, Purdue University continues to exercise an abundance of caution and care. This is a rapidly evolving situation and as new information becomes available, the university will continue to provide updates and share information on the Purdue dedicated website. We continue to look to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. State Department for recommendations and travel advisories.

University-sponsored international spring break trips have been canceled and personal international travel is strongly discouraged. If you do travel for personal reasons to any of the countries on the CDC’s level 2 and level 3 warning lists for coronavirus, in accordance with CDC guidelines, you must quarantine for 14 days after returning to the U.S. and seek an assessment with a health care provider prior to returning to campus. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that you be mindful of the potential risk of disruptions to your reentry to the United States and your ability to successfully return to West Lafayette. Those could include restrictions on border crossings, new travel restrictions by the U.S. or other countries with very little notice, airlines canceling fights in or out of the region you may travel to, etc.

Whether safety tips are related to the coronavirus, the flu, or simply how to safely enjoy spring break, your well-being and personal safety are important to us. Through Steps to Leaps, we are working to foster lifelong habits and promote a growth mindset in the areas of well-being, leadership, impact, network building and grit. In specifically channeling the well-being pillar, we know that staying healthy in body, brain and spirit is a life-long journey.

The campus community is reminded also that this is cold and flu season, and that it is best to always practice healthy habits. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of diseases including:

• Wash your hands often 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Some additional Spring Break safety tips for consideration:

• Do not accept drinks from random individuals
• Travel in groups / always have a buddy
• Stay hydrated and keep your stomach full
• Wear Sunscreen
• Lock your doors
• Watch your valuables
• Keep your cell phone charged and your ID on you
• Trust your instincts
• If you see something say something
• Make the Call! Call 9-1-1 if you need police, fire or emergency medical services.

Regardless of your spring break plans, please take care and stay healthy and safe as you enjoy some time away from campus.

Boiler Up! Hammer Down! Hail Purdue!

Sincerely,

Dean Sermersheim

Katherine L. Sermersheim, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
Purdue University
Schleman Hall | Room 207
475 Stadium Mall Drive | West Lafayette, IN  47907
Phone: 765.494.1257| Email:  ksermer@purdue.edu
www.purdue.edu/odos