From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost
Date: July 3, 2020
Yesterday afternoon, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued an Emergency Travel Order that directs travelers arriving in Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for 14 days. The order, which goes into effect on Monday, July 6 until further notice, applies to travel from states with relatively high rates of new COVID-19 cases – a list that will be updated every Tuesday. According to the CDPH, travelers who have spent longer than 24 hours in a designated state and arrive in Chicago on or after July 6 must quarantine for 14 days from the time of last contact within the designated state. For a list of designated states, criteria for states to be designated under the Order, and more information on the Order, please visit CDPH’s website.
The University is coordinating closely with local public health officials to protect the health of the University community and our neighbors. In light of yesterday’s order, all faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and students who have traveled to the identified states and return to Chicago on or after July 6 must quarantine for 14 days and not return to campus before the quarantine period is completed. CDPH defines quarantine as “staying at a single designated home or dwelling for 14 days before doing any activities outside of the home or dwelling. People in quarantine should separate themselves from others as much as possible and check themselves for symptoms.” It is unclear at this time how long the order will remain in effect or which states might be affected as the pandemic evolves. As with international travel restrictions this spring, state-based quarantine orders may continue to evolve over the next few months. Members of the University community should therefore build in as much flexibility as possible when making Autumn Quarter travel arrangements. The University will continue to closely monitor changes in public health guidance and will communicate how such changes could affect our community.
For the most up-to-date information on the University’s plans and guidelines on Autumn Quarter, visit www.goforward.uchicago.edu.