Coronavirus monitoring guidelines

To:        Executive Vice Presidents, Chancellors, Vice Presidents, Vice Chancellors, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, and Heads of Schools, Divisions, Departments and Offices

From:   Bill Bell, Vice President for Human Resources 

Date:    February 4, 2020

RE:       Coronavirus monitoring guidelines

 

On February 1, university travel restrictions related to the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) were announced. New travel guidance and monitoring guidelines for those who have recently entered the United States from China have been released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State (DOS). The Department of Homeland Security has also issued restrictions on inbound flights with individuals who have been in China.

The university remains in close contact with local and state public health officials about this outbreak. There are currently no confirmed cases of the virus in Indiana; however, we are implementing additional guidelines consistent with federal public health recommendations for the safety of our community.

Information for recent travelers

Any Purdue University faculty or staff member who has returned to the United States from China since January 19 will not be permitted to come to work, attend class or participate in any campus or community activity for 14 days after leaving China, per DHS restrictions, which state:

U.S. citizens who have been in other areas of mainland China within 14 days of their return will undergo proactive entry health screening and up to 14 days of self-quarantine with health monitoring to ensure they have not contracted the virus and do not pose a public health risk.

The university will work with anyone impacted by the restrictions to identify the appropriate accommodations for attendance for employment. The employee and their supervisor can work through flexible work arrangements or utilize available leave.

Self-monitoring for other travelers

For individuals who returned from China before January 19, public health officials recommend self-monitoring for fever and respiratory symptoms but no other changes in activities at this time. If you have these symptoms, please call your primary care physician or the Center for Healthy Living.

As guidelines change, additional updates will be sent. Our top priority is the safety of the university community.