Whittier College has received questions concerning our procedures for monitoring for the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) as it pertains to members of our community who have returned to or are arriving on campus from any of the areas most affected by the disease (including China, Japan, Iran, Italy, and South Korea). In response, the College adopts the following procedure to support faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This procedure covers members of the College community regardless of whether they were in an affected area for College business, educational purposes, or personal travel, as well as visitors coming to the College. This procedure is aligned with the January 31, 2020 declaration by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding a public health emergency for the nation. Arriving from any particular area affected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus after February 15, 2020: Faculty, staff, students, or visitors arriving on or after February 15, 2020, should not return to campus until 14 days after their arrival in the U.S. This is an expectation of the College for those arriving to the U.S. between February 15 and March 2. It is an expectation of the College and a requirement of the United States for those arriving on or after March 2, 2020. We recommend that students and campus employees avoid non-essential travel to countries in Asia and Europe (including China, Japan, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) where the CDC has identified that sustained transmission of COVID-19 has transpired, or where the virus has spread. Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. We also ask that employees inform supervisors prior to their scheduled travel dates if they are traveling to an affected area so that we are aware of employees who are going to those areas and could possibly be exposed to the disease. Upon your return, we ask that you schedule an appointment with your physician to get clearance to return to your regular work/school duties at the end of the 14-day period. Employees have the option to use sick or vacation time during the 14-day waiting period. Please note that we are acutely aware of the difficulty that this action places upon the individual and the office/department/area in which you work. The College will work with supervisors to help arrange work/school accommodations while you are away from campus. Additional information/resources can be found on the following websites: California Department of Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention American Public Health Association U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories World Health Organization We thank you in advance for placing the safety of your friends, colleagues, and community above your individual needs during this very difficult time. In addition, we suggest that you take everyday CDC-recommended preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
