Ohio State administrators say they’re restricting university-sponsored travel to China because of concerns about the coronavirus, following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. State Department.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Ohio State is sharing new restrictions on travel in alignment with this guidance and reporting requirements to proactively protect the health and well-being of our community,” Ohio State provost Bruce McPheron wrote in an email Thursday.
McPheron says the restrictions go into effect immediately and remain in place until at least March 6, although there will be an appeals process.
The email says students, staff and faculty are required to email travelreporting@osumc.edu under the following circumstances:
- If you have returned from China within the past 14 days, whether on university business or otherwise, you must report within 24 hours of this email.
- If you are currently in China, whether on university business or otherwise, you must report within 24 hours of your return.
- If you have personal travel to China planned between now and March 6, you must report within 24 hours of your return.
- If you are being actively monitored or observed by any local, county, state or federal public health agency due to risk of coronavirus, you must report within 24 hours of being notified.
McPheron says the Wexner Medical Center has also established a web page to provide information about the coronavirus.
The Ohio State efforts follow news that two Miami University students were being isolated inside their homes after showing symptoms consistent with coronavirus following traveling to China.
The World Health Organization announced Thursday that the outbreak of the deadly and fast-spreading strain of coronavirus constitutes a global health emergency.
