Dear Cornell students in Japan,

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has maintained its Travel Health Advisory for Japan at Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions, Cornell must treat it as a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, Avoid Nonessential Travel because of directives from the New York State Department of Health.  

There are currently no Cornell restrictions on travel to and from Japan due to the CDC Level 2 status. Nonetheless, if you are uncomfortable remaining in Japan, you should communicate with your program or host institution about their policies and options to continue your coursework remotely, as well as reaching out to your home college at Cornell to explore possibilities for completing your semester coursework. Additionally, please discuss your options with your study abroad advisor. If you decide to withdraw from your program, this may impact your ability to continue program coursework. There may be financial consequences depending on your program's policies.

Self-quarantine is required for students returning from Japan: 

Although the CDC has maintained a level-2 notice for Japan, the New York State Department of Health is requiring that all students, faculty and staff returning from a CDC Level 3 affected area, as well as from Japan, undergo quarantine of at least 14 days. Many returning community members have chosen (with strong encouragement from the university) to quarantine at their permanent home residence or with other family members. Students with extraordinary, extenuating circumstances who must return to Ithaca immediately will be quarantined in Ithaca, off-campus, for the 14-day period. More information about self-quarantine is available on Cornell’s coronavirus webpage.

Your health and safety remain of utmost importance. As always, please don’t hesitate to call our travel assistance provider, International SOS, for any questions regarding the situation, medical referrals, or advice on necessary precautions. You may also wish to consult the Cornell Health Coronavirus Resources and Updates page.

We recognize not only how disrupting this is to your experience but that the unpredictability of this situation can be anxiety producing. We are available to speak with you and help you consider your options. Please make sure to keep your loved ones informed of updates. Don't hesitate to contact Cornell with your questions and concerns, and keep in mind the recommended actions and resources indicated below.

Best,

Cornell Office of Global Learning Cornell International Travel Health and Safety

Recommended Actions and Resources

• We encourage you to follow the instructions and recommendations put forward by the Italian Ministry of Health and your host organization/local authorities regarding any precautions that support the prevention of a community outbreak.
• The symptoms associated with coronavirus are similar to the common flu. Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your program staff or local partner, and take care of yourself – stay hydrated and rest. If the symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek medical attention through program staff on-site or your local partner.
• The symptoms associated with coronavirus are similar to the common flu. Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your program staff or local partner, and take care of yourself – stay hydrated and rest. If the symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek medical attention through program staff on-site or your local partner.
• Reach out to Cornell International Travel Health and Safety at any point with questions or concerns at intlsafety@cornell.edu or you may call our travel assistance provider, International SOS, for advice and information from medical professionals at +1-215-942-8478.
• All Cornell travelers have free access to mental health professionals who are there to support them by phone or skype for up to five sessions/incident/year, in more than 60 languages. To reach these counselors, travelers may call International SOS, 24/7 at +1-215-942-8478.