Members of the Campus Community,
As you near the time of your arrival in the United States following international travel, we wanted to take an opportunity to remind you of some proactive measures that have been taken at the University of Mount Union to protect the health and well-being of our community and do our part to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Requirements for Self-Quarantine
Students, faculty, and staff returning from international travel are required to observe a 14-day period of self-quarantine and monitoring. Out of an abundance of caution, the University is going a step beyond the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention mandates and is requiring self-quarantine no matter the travel warning level of the country visited. During this period, you are not permitted to physically be on campus unless you have made arrangements with the Office of Residence Life (see Locations for Self-Quarantine section below).
The University’s protocol is to permit students, faculty, and staff who have traveled internationally to return to campus only if the individual is symptom-free at the end of the 14-day incubation period. Based on recommendations provided by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, students, faculty, and staff who are returning from a country designed by the CDC as having a Level 3 health advisory are required to be screened by a licensed healthcare provider within 24-48 hours prior to returning to campus following self-quarantine. Travelers returning from all other international locations are encouraged to do so.
Recommendations for Self-Quarantine
The CDC and other experts offer the following guidelines regarding self-quarantine. Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Keep your distance from others (about six feet or two meters).
Locations for Self-Quarantine
Students needing to self-quarantine will be required to return to their permanent home residence or self-quarantine in their off-campus residence. Students who are returning from international travel and are unable to return to their permanent place of residence should contact the Office of Residence Life at
reslife@mountunion.edu
for campus options that will allow for safe self-quarantine.
Access to Personal Belongings
Given the requirement to self-quarantine, we ask that you refrain from personally visiting your residence hall or apartment to collect any belongings or course materials you may need while in self-quarantine. You may, however, send a family member or friend to collect any items you may need. Please contact
reslife@mountunion.edu
to arrange for access. The residence halls will remain accessible through Tuesday, March 17 at 2 p.m. If a family member or friend cannot get to campus before then, or if you need to make other arrangements to secure the items you may need, please contact the Office of Residence Life by emailing
reslife@mountunion.edu
.
COVID-19 Symptoms
If you are experiencing symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever, please seek medical attention. Students may make appointments with the Student Health Center by calling (330) 823-2692. Any campus community member can consult with their primary healthcare provider. Please call the Student Health Center or your primary healthcare provider BEFORE going to their offices.
As you return from what we hope was a rewarding educational experience abroad, we recognize that this is likely not what you anticipated for your return to the U.S. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the complexities of this global health crisis.
Please continue to keep an eye on your campus email to ensure that you receive timely updates as this situation develops. In addition, a
web page
has been established to provide updates. We encourage you to check this page regularly for tips, resources, and frequently asked questions.
