CDC Further Updates Travel Guidance
Nov 24, 2020
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On November 21, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) updated its “COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination” and issued several other travel-related publications. These publications, coupled with our Back to School Supply Kit and our Return to Campus Supply Kit, provide a framework for responding to student and employee travel-related issues. The CDC’s updated guidance provides the following:
- New COVID-19 Risk Assessment Level: The CDC established a new COVID-19 risk assessment level for international travel. Specifically, “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High,” was established and the associated recommendation indicates, “[t]ravelers should avoid all travel to these destinations.” The majority of countries previously listed as “Level 3: COVID-19 High” have been upgraded to Level 4.
- Updated Post-Travel Quarantine Recommendations: The CDC’s updated guidance recommends that individuals returning from international travel should:
- Get tested 3–5 days after travel and stay home for seven (7) full days (even with a negative test result); or
- Get tested 3–5 days after travel and stay home for seven (7) full days (even with a negative test result); or
The CDC continues to advise that individuals should always follow applicable state and local recommendations, or requirements related to travel. As of the date of this publication, the Illinois Department of Public Health (“IDPH”) still recommends avoiding all nonessential international travel and staying home as well as monitoring health for fourteen (14) days upon return from areas of higher risk for transmission of COVID-19.
Given that we expect more changes in the coming weeks and local health departments may have other guidance/protocols applicable to your institution following return from international travel, we have updated our firm’s Return to Campus/Work Flowchart Following a COVID-19 Related Absence to note a recommended 14-day quarantine (which may be subject to a shorter timeframe in consultation with your local health department).
For further assistance, please contact any Robbins Schwartz attorney.
