Topics

More

Penn State Orders 14-Day Quarantine, Other Requirements For Returning International Travelers

Penn State and University Health Services released new travel guidelines and requirements Saturday for students returning from countries with elevated travel notices — China, Japan, Italy, and South Korea — following concerns over novel coronavirus.

The university is requiring a 14-day quarantine period for travelers returning from these countries before they return to campus. This policy, which is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations, asks travelers and their families to isolate themselves from others in their homes while checking for signs and symptoms of illness.

Penn State encourages students who return home to maintain good hygiene practices, self-monitor for symptoms, and check their temperature twice a day throughout the 14-day period.

Students returning home from a country with a CDC “Alert Level 2” level are encouraged to follow the same precautions but aren’t required.

University Health Services included some tips for a home quarantine, which include:

  • Staying home except to get medical care
  • Separating yourself from other people and animals at home
  • Wearing a facemask around other people and animals
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and washing your hands afterward
  • Washing your hands thoroughly and often
  • Avoiding sharing personal household items
  • Cleaning frequently used surfaces each day
  • Monitoring your symptoms and calling your health care provider before seeking in-person care

Penn State also encourages travelers returning home to be vigilant when traveling domestically upon reaching the United States. Avoiding contact with sick people, limiting touching your face, and washing your hands often are recommended precautions.

The university banned all university-related travel to China, Japan, Italy, and South Korea Friday. It later announced it had instructed students to begin making travel arrangements to come home from study abroad programs.

You can stay up to date on Penn State’s response to the virus by visiting its dedicated website. Additionally, more health tips and precautionary measures for combating the virus can be found here.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email ([email protected]) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

Gameday Coverage: No. 7 Penn State vs. UCLA

Here’s everything you need to know before the Stripe Out this Saturday.

Penn State Men’s Soccer Comes Back Against UCLA 2-2

Penn State went down early and fought back to end in a tie for its Wear White game.

No. 3 Penn State Women’s Volleyball Sweeps No. 11 Oregon 3-0 In Dominant ‘Wear White’ Match

Penn State won each set by at least six points.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
60.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers