Update: CDC Guidance for Returning to the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance on March 4th for individuals returning from countries with widespread sustained ongoing COVID-19 transmission. This guidance includes a strong recommendation that individuals returning from CDC Level 3 countries self-isolate for 14 days from the time they returned from that location, with specific guidance included in the link above. Current CDC Level 3 countries are Italy, South Korea, mainland China, and Iran.

Any DU community member who has returned from one of these countries recently is strongly urged to take those recommended precautions and remain home for the 14-day period. In the link above, the CDC has also provided guidance on what to do to monitor your health, as well as guidance on when to reach out for medical care should you experience any symptoms.

To self-isolate, you should:

• Stay home. Do not go to work, school or public areas.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home. Avoid visitors to your home.
• Self-monitor for fever by checking temperature at least twice a day. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.
• If you have symptoms, wear a facemask when you are around other people.
• When seeking medical care, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms before heading to the doctor’s office or the emergency room.
• Do not use public transport like buses or taxis.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.

The CDC offers the following additional guidance on how to self-isolate.  

While self-isolation is not a mandatory step, we do stress the importance of following CDC guidance to avoid any unintended impact on the wider community. 

Please reach out to your medical provider (DU employees) or DU’s Health and Counseling Center (students) should you have any questions or concerns, and note that you can also contact International SOS, our security and emergency assistance provider, for further guidance and recommendations relating to international travel. You can contact ISOS directly by calling +1.215.942.8478 and provide them with our member ID: 11BSGC000067.