The Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) emailed the campus community with advice on travel to CDC Level 3 countries, the travel notification form, and infection control advice.
Dear Campus Community,
The College continues to closely monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the U.S. Department of State in regard to the status of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health concern, both internationally and in the United States. The Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) is meeting regularly to discuss COVID-19 and to take proactive steps to minimize exposure and risk for our campus and for our students and employees traveling abroad.
Please note that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Gettysburg College.
More information on travel, spring break planning, and infection control is below. Updates are being made to the Coronavirus information (COVID-19) page (friendly URL: www.gettysburg.edu/coronavirus).
Be sure to check the website daily for updates during spring break.
Travel Information
Please understand that this is a fluid and evolving situation. In addition, given the nature of the virus, we are attentive to the well-being both of individuals who are travelling and that of the community as a whole as people return to campus. With these considerations in mind, the College is putting into place the following travel requirements, which are subject to revision and enhancement as the situation evolves.
- International, work-related travel, with or without students, needs to be registered (as is current policy) and approved.
- International, work-related travel, with or without students, to or through a CDC level 3 country is not allowed.
- Personal travel to or through a CDC Level 3 country must be registered.
- The College strongly encourages you to register your personal travel to other international areas.
- If you have traveled on personal business to or through a CDC level 3 country, you cannot return to campus without a 14-day quarantine and the approval of the College. Students should contact the Health Center (717-337-6970) and employees should contact Human Resources (717-337-6202) for approval to return to campus.
- Continuing with a long-standing requirement, domestic travel with students must be registered.
Travel registration can be submitted through the following CNAV form.
https://cnav.gettysburg.edu/health/travel_notification.cfm
Please note, this is a new form. If you have already submitted through the previous form you do not need to resubmit. Please register your travel as soon as your plans have been finalized and/or at least two weeks in advance of your trip.
Once submitted, participants who are traveling internationally will be registered with International SOS (ISOS), Gettysburg College’s Medical and Travel Security Assistance Company.
Spring Break Planning
If students decide to change their plans for spring break and would like to remain on campus, please indicate that change through CNAV under “My Housing.” Additionally, Health Services will remain open over spring break.
Study Abroad
Our Center for Global Education continues to be in touch with students who are studying abroad and their program providers to ensure the students have the most up to date information. CGE is working with students on a case-by-case basis when local events call for changes to study abroad plans.
Infection Control
Our community’s health and wellness are our top priority. Please be vigilant about your personal health.
Please continue to take reasonable and everyday actions to help prevent the spread of illness:
- Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to the COVID-19-related virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and rub your hands vigorously. Please use hand sanitizer stations that have been placed at key locations on campus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid shaking hands. Illnesses spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
Please note that housekeeping staff has increased cleaning around campus.
It is clear that this situation is ongoing and will continue to develop. The College will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members as we consider how best to respond. We also pledge to keep our community informed as new developments unfold. As we consider how best to approach this situation as a campus community, let us choose to engage and support one another with dignity and respect. The media has reported situations where public anxiety and fear over the Coronavirus has led to unwarranted assumptions toward others and at times, even prejudice and aggression. Let us continue to be a model of how a community works together and supports one another.
Please reply to this email if you have questions and your inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate party.
Thank you,
Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT)