Dear Cornell travelers abroad,

In today’s headlines, President Trump declared a National Emergency due to COVID-19, and the U.S. Department of State issued a level 3 global travel advisory. Likewise, the CDC raised its travel advisory alert level to 2 (practice enhanced precautions) for the entire globe.

There are indications that the situation in Europe will get worse before it gets better, and that travel will be complicated world-wide. We encourage you to have a plan in case your local area announces stringent travel restrictions. In other words, have supplies available in your residence, build a network of contacts who you can reach out to for help, and figure out how you would access healthcare if needed.

Students abroad, in particular, should know how to access local healthcare providers and should check with their program or local hosts to find out what services remain available to you if the program or host university shuts down.

Be sure to keep your International SOS information with you at all times:

• International SOS online portal
• +1-215-942-8478
• Membership number: 11BSCA827281

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns at intlsafety@cornell.edu. If you have decided to leave your abroad location and need any additional assistance, please do get in touch. And note that as of today, travelers returning from outside of the U.S. are likely to be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Prepare for evaluations (temperature-checks) and delays at all airports.

Wishing you the best, and safe travels wherever you are,
Chris Cook, Manager of International Travel Health and Safety