The University of Connecticut is requiring 90 students returning from study abroad programs in Italy and South Korea to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus.
In a notice sent Monday, UConn officials said they were following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations that require the 14-day self-quarantine period for any travelers from CDC Level 3 countries.
There are 88 students returning from Italy and two returning from South Korea, officials said. Students have been told to isolate themselves in their homes for 14 days while monitoring for symptoms. They may do this in the US or another country if they have family outside the US, as long as the country does not have a Level 3 travel designation.
Students who traveled to China during winter break already went through the 14-day monitoring period.
Returning students are encouraged to stay in touch with UConn Student Health and Wellness if they have any questions, don’t have a primary care doctor or have other special circumstances.
The returning students will be able to complete their coursework through online or remote learning.
There are dozens of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US, with six deaths being reported in Washington state.
UConn offered the following information about home quarantine:
- To the extent possible, remain at home for 14 days after your return from Italy or South Korea.
- Monitor your health for symptoms of including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
- If you develop symptoms, call ahead before seeking medical care, and do not use drop-in urgent care sites or other locations.
- Practice “social distancing” by avoiding public places where close contact with others may occur.
- Practice good hand hygiene with frequent hand-washing.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough and practice good cough etiquette (cough into your sleeve or elbow, not your hands).
- Do not share personal items.
- Decline requests from visitors during the quarantine period.
- You can return to normal activities after the 14 day period is complete; there is no clearance process.
- There are no recommended restrictions for other members of your household during the 14-day period as long as you continue to have no symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
