March 5, 2020
University issues travel ban for countries with warnings
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Due to the rapid global spread of the novel coronavirus, Kansas State University is changing its travel policy. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department, the university will institute a ban on faculty-led or university-sponsored trips to countries that meet the following criteria:
- CDC warning level 3, or
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisory level 4.
This ban goes into effect immediately and will not be lifted until further guidance is provided by federal authorities. Personal travel is not affected but strongly discouraged to those countries. These measures are being taken to protect the university community in an uncertain time.
Travelers who would like an exemption to the K-State travel ban are requested to complete the Travel Exemption Request Form and submit it to IRAWG@k-state.edu. The K-State International Risk Advisory Working Group will review the information and will make a recommendation to the provost, who will make the final decision on behalf of the university for the travel approval or disapproval.
The U.S. Department of State has a website that provides travel advisories, as well as safety and security information, for every country in the world. Kansas State University strongly recommends each traveler register on the website or download the mobile app to gain access to real-time information.
K-State leadership has assembled a team that is meeting daily to evaluate the spread of the novel coronavirus around the globe and in the United States. The team, working in conjunction with guidelines established by federal, state and local health agencies, is charged with ensuring the university’s emergency preparedness plans are up-to-date should the virus reach our area. There are no immediate threats or cause for alarm, the goal is to protect the health and safety of everyone at K-State and in our communities. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.