Category: Messages to the Community

Title: COVID-19 Update: Extending Moratorium on All University-Sponsored International Travel to Include Faculty and Staff

Dear Georgetown University Community,

The university is suspending ALL university-sponsored or related non-essential international travel through May 15, 2020. This guidance extends the student international travel moratorium issued on Wednesday, March 4 to now include all faculty and staff. This suspension includes travel associated with one’s scholarly activities as a Georgetown employee and travel funded by a grant, foundation, company or other university.

This difficult decision was made in the interest of the health and safety of our students and the entire Georgetown community. It recognizes the dynamic nature of the situation, possible disruptions to international travel and health care and potential challenges in reentering the United States from abroad.

If a faculty or staff member believes there is a compelling university-related reason for travel abroad, they should consult with the office of the Provost or campus Executive Vice President (for Medical and Law Centers), Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (for staff of University Services), or the Vice President and Chief of Staff (for direct reports to the President) to request an exception allowing for such travel.

We strongly recommend all members of our community reconsider ANY personal international travel plans. Everyone should be aware of the associated risk of disruptions to their reentry to the United States or other countries. Based on the quickly evolving international travel guidance, your return to the United States or to campus may be interrupted by federal or state restrictions. We will continue to evaluate and update university travel guidance, including potential temporary restrictions on domestic travel and the hosting of large-scale events on campus.

Any member of the university community who travels to a country designated as Level 3 or Level 2 by the CDC due to coronavirus – whether the country’s designation occurs before departure or during the trip – must contact Georgetown’s public health officer, Dr. Vince WinklerPrins, before returning to campus for medical clearance review.

In accordance with CDC guidance for travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran or any other country that is subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 for coronavirus while you are traveling, please be aware that you will be required to self-quarantine – at your permanent address or otherwise away from Georgetown’s campus – for at least 14 days before returning to campus.

You can find all university updates, answers to frequently asked questions and other resources related to coronavirus on the Georgetown University website.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the School of Medicine

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer