031220 – COVID-19

The official sources: CDC, WHO, ECDC and ISOS provide updates and recommendations on the COVID-19.

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Additionally, please review the most current UT Dallas Guidance.  The situation continues to develop, please go to the direct sources listed and linked on this post for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.

General updates

The geographical distribution and number of cases can be seen more clearly at this real time map by John Hopkins University, WHO’s real time map, and this ECDC webpage.

WHO, the CDC, and the U.S. Department of State are closely monitoring the situation and have issued various alerts and warnings to inform the public.

• WHO declares the COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.
• WHO declares the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
• The CDC has issued the following travel notices:
  • Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 for Europe
  • Global COVID-19 Level 2 Outbreak Notice
  • Warning Level 3: Avoid non-essential travel for China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran.
  • The CDC recommends travelers to reconsider cruise ship voyages to or within Asia.
• The U.S. Department of State has updated the following advisories specifically due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

  • Proclamation—Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus

  • Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel
  • Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019
  • Level 4: Do Not Travel for China,
  • Level 3: Reconsider Travel for South Korea, Mongolia, and Italy
  • Level 2: Exercise Increased caution for Japan and Hong Kong,
  • Emergency Alert for China.

Travelers should be aware that in an effort to contain the novel coronavirus, many affected country authorities are restricting mobility within their country, suspending mass gatherings, and implementing a blend of containment and mitigation measures.  Airlines are reducing flights to some affected countries.  Travelers who are coming from, have passed through, or are from some of the affected countries can face entry restrictions and health screenings at their destination. Travelers are advised to be informed through the media, official sources and their local authorities, and be prepared for travel restrictions and health screenings to be put into effect with little or no advance notice.

WHO’s Q&A on coronaviruses and WHO’s myth busters answer 2019-nCoV questions such as: What is a coronavirus? Can 2019-nCOV be caught from a person who presents no symptoms? What can I do to protect myself?

The CDC explains what is the COVID-19, how it spreads, its symptoms, prevention and treatment, what to do if you’re sick, and has answers to frequently asked questions.

Recommendations for travelers

• Heed the directives of public health authorities.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not readily available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Do not visit wet markets or farms.
• Avoid direct contact with animals (live or dead) and their environment. Do not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with droppings.
• Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.
• Maintain flexible itineraries accounting for additional time required for health and temperature screening at airports, railway stations, docks and long-haul bus stations. Arrive early at transport hubs.
• Monitor the latest information on the virus, as well as any quarantine and isolation procedures being implemented at both your origin and your destination.
• Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of breath.
• Do not travel if you are sick. Note that some locations have implemented screening, and travelers may face quarantine and testing.
• Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affected areas with their healthcare provider.

If within the last month you

• were in an area affected by COVID-19, or
• been in close contact with someone who within the last month has been affected by COVID-19, or been in a COVID-19 affected area,

and you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

• Seek medical care right away.  Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about the noted travel history or contact and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

The risk information in this post is retrieved from sources as listed in the post. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the published date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed in the post for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.