Message regarding travel to mainland China during spring semester
Dear Cornell Community,
In response to growing concerns over the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all nonessential travel to China be suspended at this time.
Based on this guidance, effective immediately, the university will not permit Cornell-related undergraduate, graduate or professional student travel to mainland China until such time as Cornell’s International Travel Advisory and Response Team (ITART) removes China from the elevated-risk destinations list. All students who are currently in China will be supported, and those who have registered Cornell-related travel to China for some time this semester will receive an email later today from the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs with additional details.
In addition, any faculty or staff member who wishes to travel to mainland China for Cornell-related scholarship or business must receive approval from ITART prior to travel.
Guidelines from the CDC are rapidly changing. If urgent or personal travel to China is necessary within the coming weeks, you should carefully review the most updated health and travel information available from the CDC so you are aware of the risks associated, as well as any screenings and quarantine guidelines that may be in place at the time of your return.
The university continues to monitor the situation to ensure the health and well-being of our community. We are not aware of any confirmed cases of the coronavirus in New York state; however, I understand that this is a challenging time for many community members from China who are concerned for family and friends who may be in affected areas. I encourage anyone with questions about the coronavirus, or who may need additional support, to visit Cornell Health’s website at health.cornell.edu for updates and resources.
Sincerely,
Michael Kotlikoff
Provost