Travel Protocol
Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Your chances of getting COVID-19 while traveling also depends on mitigating behaviors and steps taken to protect yourself and others.
Effective November 1, 2021, university-sponsored domestic and international travel for all CMU community members is permitted subject to unit-based requirements and approval from employee managers.
Travel to countries that carry a CDC Very High or High level of risk is discouraged: (COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination | CDC)
Per the CDC's guidance on travel, we continue to encourage students, faculty, staff, vendors and visitors to wear a facial covering and avoid large events or crowded spaces as ways to limit your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Faculty, staff and students should also follow the university’s recommendations following travel, including COVID-19 testing and symptom monitoring.
Following travel, all faculty, staff and students who have not been fully vaccinated (including booster when eligible) against COVID-19 must participate weekly in Tartan Testing, the university’s COVID-19 asymptomatic testing program. Tartan Testing is also available for fully vaccinated (including booster when eligible) CMU community members who desire a weekly test.
For U.S. campuses and programs outside of Pittsburgh, the spirit of this protocol applies, however local or state government health and safety requirements and guidance specific to your location will need to be consulted.
Returning From Travel Recommendations
You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels. You may feel well and not have symptoms, but you can still be infected and spread the virus to others. You and your travel companions (including children) pose a risk to your family, friends and community for 14 days following your travel.
If you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your primary care provider (faculty/staff) or University Health Services (students). Traveling could impact your ability to come on site to work; therefore, you are encouraged to discuss travel plans, in advance, with your supervisor.
After Travel Actions for Fully Vaccinated (including booster when eligible) Individuals:
- If you are asymptomatic, get a Tartan Test 3-5 days when you return from your travel.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
- Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.
After Travel Actions for Individuals NOT Fully Vaccinated (including booster when eligible):
- If you are asymptomatic, get a Tartan Test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days when you return from your travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days following travel.
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not. Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
- Follow all state and local recommendations or requirements after travel.