SUBJECT:

Important Update on COVID-19 Travel Advisories

UC San Diego continues to be vigilant in monitoring the progression of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). While the news of the virus and its implications for the health of many around the world is concerning, please be assured that your safety and well-being are our top priority. The health risk to the general public and to San Diegans remains low. However, worldwide, the virus has been detected in a number of locations. Most recently, Iran, Italy and Japan have experienced new infections and sustained community transmission of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State have issued travel advisories for these countries, in addition to the existing advisories for China and South Korea. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing non-essential travel.

As the situation continues to be fluid and additional countries become be impacted by COVID-19, the UC San Diego community is encouraged to check:

• The CDC website for the latest information on travel advisories as they relate to the spread of the virus at:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

• U.S. Department of State website for the latest information on travel advisories at: http://bit.ly/3a9n8oh

A few weeks ago, President Napolitano directed the UC community to temporarily avoid all non-essential travel to China. Members of the UC community are now further directed to temporarily avoid all non-essential university-related travel to countries that are designated with a CDC Warning – Level 3 Travel Notice. This currently includes South Korea as well as China (excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Macau and Hong Kong).

For information on UC San Diego’s interim travel policy, which now includes South Korea, visit: http://adminrecords.ucsd.edu/Notices/2020/2020-2-3-3.html

At this time, UC San Diego Health is no longer caring for any patients with confirmed or possible cases of COVID-19. In the event that any new patients are received, UC San Diego Health stands prepared and ready to address these changing future conditions.

Remember, the best way to protect your health is by practicing preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with people showing signs of illness, staying home when sick, and washing hands often. In addition, getting a flu shot can help prevent illness and symptoms similar to the novel coronavirus. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks for the general U.S. public as a response to respiratory viruses, including the novel coronavirus.

For up-to-date health and campus policy information concerning COVID-19, please visit the campus resource page at http://coronavirus.ucsd.edu.

For the latest news and updates from the CDC, go to https://www.cdc.gov/.

Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Patty Maysent Chief Executive Officer, UC San Diego Health Elizabeth H. Simmons Executive Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs Alysson M. Satterlund Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Francesca Torriani, M.D. Program Director, Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology, UC San Diego Health Stacie San Miguel, M.D. Director, Medical Services Student Health Services, UC San Diego Health Nancy E. Resnick Campus Chief Human Resources Officer