Coronavirus Self-Isolation Policy Announced
March 6, 2020
Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week, any travelers returning or coming to the U.S. for the first time from any country under a CDC Warning Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) are expected to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of whether that direction is specifically given to them at the U.S. point of entry. Those Level 3 countries are China, Italy, Iran and South Korea, but there is a strong possibility that this list of countries will grow. Individuals who have transited these nations do not need to self-isolate if they did not leave the airport. If they left the airport or remained in the airport for more than 24 hours, self-isolation is required. Updates will be announced and posted to the University’s new FAQs as soon as possible if more countries are added to the list.
Northwestern expects that all students, faculty and staff returning to the University or coming for the first time who meet this criteria—or, who have been exposed to the Coronavirus—will self-isolate for 14 days prior to coming to campus. All visitors to campus (non-employee, non-student) for short- or long-term periods who meet the CDC criteria are expected to follow the same 14-day self-isolation requirement. Northwestern has provided FAQs with guidelines of what it means to self-isolate, including specific instructions for students, faculty, staff and visitors.