In accordance with guidance from The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M AgriLife is discouraging all foreign travel by Texas A&M System students, faculty and staff while the outbreak of COVID-19 remains a dynamically changing and uncertain situation. There will be no System sponsored travel to any country identified as a Level 1 or greater risk by the CDC Health Notice Warning system. The only exception is for “mission-critical” personnel working on the response to COVID-19. We would also encourage all students, faculty and staff to return from all Level 1 or higher risk countries as soon as can be practically arranged.
As of March 2, 2020, the following countries are categorized as Level 1, 2 and 3 countries:
- Level 3: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea
- Level 2: Japan
- Level 1: Hong Kong
Those who are returning from travel from or through Level 2 or Level 3 countries must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days before returning to the workplace. This includes personal travel which should be reported to the Office of Ethics and Compliance as soon as possible.
Helpful resources include:
- CDC’s COVID-19 travel page
- State Department travel advisories
- Texas A&M coronavirus page
- TAMUS COVID-19 Travel Information
- CDC: 2019 Novel Coronavirus
- WHO: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please contact the AgriLife Office of Ethics and Compliance with questions at 979-845-4789 or 979-845-7879.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Stover, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife
Director, Texas A&M AgriLife Research