Feb
27

COVID-19 Update: Smithsonian Travel

Banner showing COVID-19 virus

Following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for the novel (new) coronavirus outbreak, SI will no longer be approving Institutionally-sponsored travel to  mainland China , South Korea, Iran, Italy or Japan.  The restrictions for travel to China do not include Hong Kong, Macau, or the island of Taiwan. If you are considering travel to one of the restricted countries, please make alternative arrangements with OIR-ITTF@si.edu.  We also recommend that you avoid personal travel to these locations.

Given that the coronavirus situation is evolving rapidly, we are continuing to monitor CDC country-specific travel health notices as the situation is fluid and can change quickly.  Units are encouraged to proactively assess upcoming travel both to and from the Smithsonian as travel restrictions can change without notice, potentially stranding or delaying travelers anywhere in the world.  All staff traveling internationally or domestically should be strongly encouraged to access to the SI iSOS travel information and to sign up for the State Department’s STEP program to receive real-time updates on corona virus and other travel hazards.

U.S. visa services in China are currently suspended.  Foreign nationals who have spent any time in China over the last 14 days are not being permitted to enter the United States unless they meet exceptional criteria. As such, incoming J-1 Fellows & Interns as well as B-1/WB visitors who have spent time in China are likely to be delayed in beginning their program or visit.

What we know: COVID-19 cases have been reported in 37 locations worldwide. Recent news has highlighted the fact that there is now “community spread” in several countries including the US. This change has led to the new travel recommendations, and the call for the public and institutions to prepare for spread of the virus in their local area.

The Smithsonian leadership is actively engaged in the planning process.  We recognize the spread of Coronavirus is alarming.  Ensure that you are using trustworthy sources for your information such as CDC website, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other primary sources for information.   Ask questions, contact Occupational Health Services with concerns. We want the Smithsonian community to feel prepared and supported. More information will be forthcoming in coming days regarding the Smithsonian response.

Anne McDonough MD MPH
Smithsonian Medical Officer
Associate Director Occupational Health Services, OSHEM

 

Related posts:

Close-up of MERS virusAre we on the verge of a global pandemic? (UPDATED) COVID-19 SquareCOVID 19-Update: Smithsonian Occupational Health is monitoring the situation Resized and cropped mural Racism is a virusCOVID-19, police violence, and the historical thread that binds them COVID-19 SquareCOVID-19 Team Update: Summer Safety Tips

Posted: 27 February 2020
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.