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The message below was emailed to all students living in a Temple University residence hall. 

In response to elevated travel warnings for locations around the world experiencing sustained transmission of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, Temple University has put into place an international travel protocol for students, faculty and staff.  

The university is requiring any faculty, staff or students who have traveled during the previous 14 days to any countries designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having sustained transmission of COVID-19 to self-monitor for 14 days from the date of their arrival back in the United States. As of March 5, the countries with sustained transmission of the virus are: China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. 

If you have traveled to any of these countries during the past 14 days, including spring break (February 28-March 8), you must self-monitor for 14 days from the date you arrived back in the United States prior to returning to your residence hall.  Self-monitoring means that you should stay at home and avoid group gatherings and public spaces, including Temple’s campuses. During this time, you should monitor your own health carefully, taking your temperature at least once a day.  You will not be able to return to the residence halls during this period, and you will not be permitted to complete your self-monitoring period in the residence halls.

We are asking all residential students to log into TUPortal, click on the COVID-19 tab, and complete the travel survey so that we are aware of your travel plans. Please do so as soon as possible.

Please note that this measure is being taken out of an abundance of caution.  Currently, no students, faculty, or staff at any of Temple’s campuses in the U.S. or overseas have been diagnosed with the virus, and if you have not traveled to one of these countries during the past 14 days, your risk of contracting COVID-19 is very low.  You can assist in preventing the spread of flu, viruses, and other respiratory illnesses by doing the following:

• Wash your hands frequently and efficiently. When unable to wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth using a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing; do not use your hands.
• Avoid participating in other activities, orsharing food, drinks, or other objects that may result in exposure to saliva or secretions.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who present symptoms.
• Most importantly, if you develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, you should immediately contact health care professionals—your family physician, local health authorities, or Student Health Services. You should call before visiting any health care provider so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

Please know that the health and safety of our campus community is our highest priority, and that we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.  I invite you to stay updated on the University’s response to the coronavirus outbreak by clicking this link, and if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at (215) 204-7184 or reslife@temple.edu.

Sincerely,

Olan Garrett

Director, Residential Life