The following memo was distributed to Duke leaders and managers on Sunday, March 1, 2020.
TO: Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, and Managers
FROM: Kyle Cavanaugh, Vice President, Administration, Emergency Coordinator
RE: (Travel) Italy Added to Duke’s Restricted Travel Regions
Due to the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has moved Italy to its Warning – Level 3 status, which recommends avoiding all nonessential travel. Effective immediately, Duke will restrict all university-funded travel to Italy and any other country that the CDC moves to a Level 3 status.
This restriction covers all travel to Italy for students, faculty and staff at Duke University and Duke Health. Duke has been in touch with those programs currently in Italy and is working with those students and faculty regarding the continuation of their studies.
While this restriction does not affect personal travel, we strongly recommend that anyone who has plans to travel to Italy or any other area with current outbreaks of COVID-19 to reconsider those plans. If you do decide to travel outside the United States, we encourage you to register with the Duke Travel Registry. This will enable us to contact you with information as the situation evolves. If you visit a region that is placed on CDC Level 3 warning, you will likely experience canceled flights and restricted travel by local authorities, and Duke will not be able to intervene on your behalf. You will also be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days before you are permitted to return to Duke. Those considering traveling should continue to monitor the websites for the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. State Department for the latest information and guidance.
This continues to be a rapidly evolving situation, and Duke officials are monitoring developments to protect the health and safety of the entire Duke community. We encourage you to visit the Duke Coronavirus Response website regularly for the latest updates regarding relevant Duke actions and policies.