Students returning from coronavirus-afflicted nations may be asked to self-quarantine

Updated 8:40 p.m.: UNC is prohibiting University-affiliated travel to countries with Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) travel advisories, which currently includes Japan, according to a campus-wide email sent Monday night. 

With these increased restrictions, any students, faculty and staff returning from countries with Level 2 or Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) advisories will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. 

According to a previous email from University Media Relations, students returning from non-UNC-affiliated travel to these areas will not receive University-approved absences for their 14 days of quarantine. 

UNC is restricting University-affiliated travel within the U.S. to areas where a state of emergency related to coronavirus has been declared, according to a campus-wide email from Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz Wednesday. 

California declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after the state's first death from coronavirus. Florida and Washington have also declared a state of emergency. 

Additionally, UNC students, faculty and staff returning to the U.S. from countries with Level 2 or 3 travel advisories due to coronavirus have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days away from campus, Guskiewicz said in the email. 

The University is also restricting travel to Level 2 countries, which includes Japan, Guskiewicz said in the email. University-affiliated travel to Level 3 countries is prohibited. Level 3 countries include China, South Korea, Iran and Italy.

Designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Level 2 countries have "Practice Enhanced Precautions" travel advisories, while Level 3 countries have "Avoid Nonessential Travel" advisories. 

Students, faculty and staff returning from Level 2 and 3 countries should contact Campus Health or their local health care provider, Guskiewicz said in the email. Additionally, the email said students should contact the Dean of Students office for assistance with coursework. 

The University previously cancelled spring study abroad programs to Italy and South Korea. 

In the email, Guskiewicz said the University recognizes that the travel restrictions may disrupt educational opportunities and plans for students, faculty and staff. 

"We did not come to these decisions lightly and did so with the health and well-being of our entire community in mind, while also following federal and state guidelines," he said in the email. 

The University has created a website with updates about how coronavirus will affect UNC. 

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