Faculty and students considering traveling during spring break reminded of restrictions linked to coronavirus outbreak

With spring break approaching, faculty and students considering leaving campus are reminded of the travel restrictions caused by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also known as the COVID-19 virus.

Spring break is Monday, March 23, to Friday, March 27.

Stanford has restricted all travel to China, and exceptions to that restriction can be requested only from a vice president, vice provost or dean. They then must be forwarded to the Office of the Provost. In addition, Stanford currently recommends avoiding travel to or through Hong Kong and Macao; however, stronger restrictions may be forthcoming.

All Stanford community members – or those with a spouse or housemate – who have returned from travel to mainland China in the last 14 days are being asked to self-isolate for at least two weeks, working or studying from home. This includes all individuals, including children, with or without symptoms. We expect this practice to remain in place through spring break.

Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people. These include any situation where you may come in close contact with others, such as social events, work, school, transportation, restaurants and all public gatherings.

For more information about the novel coronavirus, see Stanford’s Public Health Policy Committee’s list of FAQs.

Federal restrictions are also in place. Any U.S. citizen returning home who was in the Hubei Province of China within the previous 14 days is quarantined for up to 14 days as directed by the Center for Disease Control under the authorization of U.S. Health and Human Services. U.S. citizens returning from other parts of China also face restrictions. In addition, the U.S. State Department has temporarily suspended entry into the United States for any foreign nationals who traveled to or from China. Details on federal restrictions can be found on the CDC website.

In addition, many airlines have suspended flights into and out of China, raising the possibility that students traveling to China may not be able to return.

Students are also reminded that those with housing contracts for both winter and spring quarters may remain in residences during spring break. Students with meal plans are welcome to eat at the Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, which will remain open during the break. Arrangements are also being made to ensure that students on the Row have fully stocked kitchens, even if their chefs are not working during spring break.