Coronavirus Travel Policy

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Travel Policy

Approved by the PLC: June 26, 2020

Last Updated: June 26, 2020

Effective: June 26, 2020 Until Further Notice

Introduction

To promote the health and well-being of University of Portland community members, and to minimize COVID-19 infections during the Fall 2020 semester, the University is adopting this policy concerning travel by UP students, faculty, and staff, effective immediately until further notice. The University strongly discourages travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you must travel, stay informed about the latest guidelines set forth by the Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control.

University of Portland-Sponsored and/or -Reimbursed Travel

Throughout the Fall 2020 semester, University-sponsored (or reimbursed) travel will be strictly limited to essential travel.

Permission for University-related travel will be requested via email (oiedi@up.edu). It will be reviewed and approved/not-approved by one of the following supervisors:

• For Students and Student Affairs: Director of the corresponding unit
• For Staff: Immediate supervisor for staff, and
• For Faculty: Department chair (where applicable) or Dean

The approved form then will be sent to the corresponding University Officer to review the approved forms.  Officers reserve the right to revoke travel if they believe that travel is unnecessary and/or may result in undue risk to the individual or campus community.

All requests for university-sponsored and/or reimbursed travel should include the following:

• Rationale for why the travel is essential to the UP mission
• Departure and return dates
• Description of what steps will be taken to minimize the risk of spread including:
  • maximize social distancing
  • meals and masks
  • destination
  • transportation plans
  • lodging (if required)

Approval will be based on the following:

• The connection of travel to the UP mission
• Compliance with health and safety measure that are in line with local, state, and CDC orders
• Assessment of the immediate and essential need for travel, instead of the potential to defer to a later time
• The potential short and long-term negative consequences of delaying or not traveling during the Fall 2020 semester

The University will not pay for, or reimburse expenses for, travel that does not comply with these components. If approved, all travelers must acknowledge risk by signing an assumption of risk form that will be provided by the University.

University-sponsored study abroad

All University-sponsored study abroad programs are cancelled for the Fall 2020 semester. Students who are interested in studying abroad in the Spring 2021 or academic year 2021-22, should contact the Office of Studies Abroad at studiesabroad@up.edu.

Personal Travel

The University strongly discourages personal travel, both international and domestic, until further notice. Local and U.S. State travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you must travel, stay informed about the latest guidelines set forth by the Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control. These guidelines will be updated based on current state and federal guidelines. Take extra precautions when visiting off-campus public settings. Practice these ways to protect yourself and others if you travel:

• Wear a face cloth covering when traveling (by car, train, or plane)
• Remain at least 6 ft. from others
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. If that is not possible, then use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as an alternative
• If you return from a trip and experience symptoms of concern associated with COVID-19, seek medical care right away. These symptoms include:
  • Primary symptoms:
    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Non-specific symptoms:
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
  • For Emergency signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, call 911:
    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion or inability to awaken
    • Bluish lips or face
    • Other severe symptoms
  • Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider at home. If faculty and staff have questions or need additional information contact HR.
  • If students do not have a healthcare provider, it is recommended students contact the Health and Counseling Center at 503.943.7134 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and ask to speak to a nurse. For after-hours care, students may contact UP's nurse advice line, ProvRN, at 503.574.9606.

Personal Travel to International Locations

Any individual who engages in personal international travel must provide notice to the University by contacting the Office of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion at oiedi@up.edu and/or 503.943.7857 prior to departing campus. Upon returning from international destination, travelers will be advised to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to campus and to follow local, state, and CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html). The United States Department of State has updated COVID-19 Traveler Information, here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

For further information and guidance regarding international travel, contact the Department of International Education, Diversity, and Inclusion oiedi@up.edu.

Traveling in University Owned Vehicles

In compliance with Oregon OSHA’s COVID-19 Workplace Risk Rule (OAR 437-001-0744) When employees are transported in a vehicle for work purposes, regardless of the travel distance or duration involved, all occupants in the vehicle must wear a mask, face covering, or face shield unless employees are wearing respirators in accordance with the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). Note that this requirement does not apply when all occupants within the vehicle are members of the same household.