Dear Mason Patriots,
The university is suspending all international university-sponsored and university-related student travel effective Friday, March 6, through Friday, May 15. This decision is based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and concern for the safety of the Mason community.
Mason’s Global Education Office (GEO) will work directly with students affected by this decision to provide information and address questions or concerns. We realize the timing of this decision is unfortunate and we regret the inconvenience this imposes on our students. Our primary concern is the safety of our students and this restriction will avoid placing them in a situation where they can become exposed to coronavirus or inconvenienced by additional travel restrictions, transportation disruptions, or mandated quarantines.
For faculty and staff, the university will review travel to countries under CDC Travel Warning Level 2 and is suspending travel to countries issued a CDC Travel Warning Level 3. Travel exceptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis in accordance with University Policy 1134: University-Sponsored or University-Related International Travel. We strongly suggest you consider suspending travel during this time frame.
Individuals traveling in the next week or month for personal reasons should be aware of the following:
- The CDC is warning travelers to avoid non-essential travel to CDC Travel Warning Level 3 countries (China, Iran, Italy, South Korea). Travelers should also avoid destinations where coronavirus is confirmed.
- In observance of CDC guidance, all students, faculty and staff returning from CDC Travel Warning Level 3 countries should remain home, out of class, away from work and self-isolate for 14 days upon their return, and we are working with academic units to provide necessary accommodation and support. Students, faculty and staff subject to this requirement must contact Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management at safety@gmu.edu or (703) 993-8448 to discuss your return to campus.
The university has established a central website, www2.gmu.edu/coronavirus, with updated information regarding our planning and preparation for a potential coronavirus outbreak in our region. Please visit this website for more information. This situation is evolving, and the university’s plans may change based on new developments or future recommendations from public health officials.
Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management
George Mason University