Penn State Restricts Student Travel, Issues New Requirements Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (KDKA) -- Penn State University has restricted University-affiliated student travel and imposed new requirements for returning travelers as the Coronavirus outbreak continues to grow.
In a press release Friday, the University also stated that it was in the process of bringing students home from Italy.
In addition to student travel being restricted, any faculty and staff travel to Italy and South Korea has also been restricted and would require approval from the provost or university risk officer.
The University's decision comes following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention elevating its Coronavirus travel notice for Italy to a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) and the State Department raising its travel advisory for Italy to a Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) and out of caution for students' health and safety.
On Saturday, the University expanded upon the restrictions based on the CDC's recommendations. Returning travelers from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to Penn State's campus. These countries have been labeled as Level 3 countries by the CDC.
Those who have spent time in CDC Alert Level 2 or Warning Level 3 areas are strongly encouraged to monitor their condition over two weeks, maintain personal hygiene and generally avoid contact with others.
The University also listed guidelines for self-quarantining and preventing the spread of disease.
University officials are strongly urging faculty and staff to return home.