Dear Members of the UNC community,
In light of the continuing global spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, and exercising a duty of care approach, UNC is suspending all university-sponsored student international travel to countries designated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as Level 2: Japan, and Level 3: China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. This restriction applies to all UNC students currently studying abroad and any new student travel, including travel for students preparing to begin study abroad programs in spring and summer terms. International university-sponsored faculty and staff travel to any country designated by the CDC as Level 3 – Avoid Nonessential Travel is suspended.
This announcement goes in effect as of March 6, 2020 and remains in effect until the CDC travel restrictions and guidance regarding travel has been lifted.
Students currently studying abroad in Japan and South Korea are in the process of returning to the U.S. We recognize how disruptive and significant this decision is, and the university is actively working with relevant departments to help affected students continue their academic progress through instructional continuity and by other means.
In accordance with the CDC guidance for travelers returning from any other country that is currently or subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 for coronavirus, please be aware that any member of the UNC community will be required to self-quarantine – at their permanent address or away from the UNC campus – for at least 14 days before returning to campus.
In addition to the restrictions for all university-related travel, we strongly recommend all members of our community reconsider personal international travel plans over spring break and the coming weeks. Please be aware the CDC is closely monitoring the situation, and that any country could quickly be designated Level 2 or 3 for coronavirus. As such, your return to the United States or to campus may be interrupted by federal or state restrictions.
Due to the evolving nature of the outbreak, we will provide frequent and regular communication to our community as federal and local public health guidance changes.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through responding to this public health emergency. You can find university updates and other resources related to coronavirus on the dedicated UNC webpage.
Mark R. Anderson
Provost and Senior Vice President
Academic Affairs
