Travel Restrictions

University-related travel is limited to essential trips, and requires pre-approval by a departmental vice-president.  

As of Friday, November 20, by an Order of the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, additional travel restrictions were implemented. As a result of these restrictions: 

• Chatham students and employees visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 14 days upon return to Pennsylvania. 

• Anyone who visits from another state must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to entering the Commonwealth. If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania. 

This order does not apply to people who commute to and from another state for work or medical treatment. Learn more. 

If quarantining: 

• For Employees: these days should be handled as a telework arrangement (if possible) or will require the use of additional sick or vacation days if telework is not possible.
• For Students: these days should be handled as a self-quarantine protocol and will require working with your faculty to maintain academic progress. You will need to engage in quarantine in your residence hall or at home. We are encouraging all students to postpone any trips this fall. 

For more information, including tips on how to how to stay safe during travel, view the CDC’s Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic page.

Spring 21 International Student Restrictions

Students arriving from an international destination, including Canada and Mexico, should plan to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival in the United States. This includes new students and returning students who traveled during winter break.

Students should arrive in the United States no later than January 5th to complete quarantine prior to in-person classes starting on January 19th. Graduate students whose programs begin in-person instruction earlier should check with their program and make appropriate travel arrangements.

Students living on-campus should contact the Office of International Affairs and the Residence Life office with questions regarding international travel and arrival.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to travel restrictions, border closings, and quarantines. Please check the US State Department travel advisories, as well as local information for your destination, and plan accordingly.

This policy may be subject to change based on updated health guidelines and the recommendations of the CDC and PA Department of Health.