Current MUSC Student, Resident, and Fellow Travel Policies

A Message from Lisa K. Saladin, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA - March 4, 2020

You have likely seen the message from President Cole regarding the prohibition of international student and resident travel in light of the spread of COVID-19 and I write this to you in the hopes of clarifying some facts and providing you with additional information.

Current MUSC Student, Resident, and Fellow Travel Policies

• There is a travel ban in effect for all MUSC sponsored international travel for student, residents, and fellows until further notice. MUSC sponsored travel includes any travel that meets one or more of the following criteria:
  1. if any portion of the trip is paid for from any MUSC source
  2. if it is for academic credit or if any faculty members are traveling with the students or advising these student
  3. if it is part of a student chapter at MUSC.
• There is currently no restriction or prohibition on student, resident, or fellow travel domestically. However, we advise everyone traveling domestically to keep up to date with current COVID-19 rates in the U.S. and to practice prevention techniques to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 which include the following;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty.

In addition, everyone who travels domestically at this time must be aware that in the unlikely event they contract COVID-19 and test positive after their return there will be a mandated self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Additional guidelines related to post-travel screening and illnesses will be posted by the end of the week.

• While there are no policies or formal recommendations at this time regarding students traveling within the United States for clinical placements, please contact your clinical coordinator if you wish to explore changing your rotation due to the incidence of COVID-19 in the area of your assignment.

Travel Reimbursement and Associated Information

• MUSC is exploring operational considerations for a variety of factors, including reimbursement for individuals (especially students and trainees) who booked travel prior to the prohibition. Our first request is that you deal directly with your airlines and booking agents to request refunds as many airlines and travel related entities are allowing cancellations. If you are unsuccessful, please contact the Center for Global Health to request reimbursement. They will track and collect requests and submit to university leadership.

Preparing for the Future

• The future is uncertain at this time. However, we need to be prepared for all potential circumstances. In the unlikely case that the university is forced to close for any period of time, please know that each college/program is currently working on plans to minimize the disruption to students.
• A new university intranet site is being designed to provide additional information and updates for faculty and students that will be in addition to the current external facing website that is also being updated.

Please know that we make these decisions with your personal safety as our number one concern and will work with you to minimize the consequences of these decisions.
Sincerely,

Lisa K. Saladin, PhD, FAPTA
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost