As Illinois State University’s spring break approaches, I want to encourage you to be aware of the evolving Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation worldwide and here in the United States. Illinois State is actively monitoring the situation and taking many steps to ensure the safety of the campus community. More information about those steps can be found online.
Whether you are visiting family, traveling, or are here on campus during break, you are a part of the community effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Keep yourself informed with the latest updates on the coronavirus through trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As always, practicing good hygiene, washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding contact with others who are sick, and staying home if you are sick are some of the best preventive measures.
The coronavirus has had an impact on some university-related international travel and study abroad programs to CDC Travel Notice 2 and 3 nations. If your spring break plans involve personal travel, please stay informed about the spread of the coronavirus internationally and here in the U.S. If you are planning personal travel outside the U.S., please be aware of any travel advisories for your destination by monitoring updated information from the Centers for Disease Control. Those advisories may change quickly and that may affect travel to an impacted country and return to the U.S.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, if you are returning from a CDC Travel Notice 3 nation (China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran) you should remain at home and self-isolate for 14 days from the date of departure, avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing. If you are returning to the United States in this circumstance, the University asks that you not return to campus during the self-isolation period.
By keeping yourself healthy and safe, you contribute to the health and safety of the entire Illinois State community. I wish you an enjoyable and restful spring break.
