Limiting Travel
Employees are responsible for abiding by all federal, state and local travel restrictions currently in place. Per CDC guidelines, it is possible that some state and local governments may put in place travel restrictions, stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures while you are traveling. We ask each employee to be vigilant and mindful of such restrictions and orders. Check covid19.nj.gov for the most current list of travel advisories and restrictions for New Jersey.
A. Business Travel
For purposes of this policy, “business travel” includes any travel for business purposes, apart from commuting to your assigned place of work/work site. Until further notice, all non-essential business travel is suspended and should be canceled. All business travel deemed essential requires the approval of the area Vice President prior to initiating any travel arrangements.
B. General Guidance on Travel Precautions for All Travel
This general guidance on travel applies to all travel (both personal and business travel).
Employees who travel outside the state of New Jersey or have done so in the past 14 days are required to fill out the CU Corona Virus Form at this link.
Travel, in all cases, requires some degree of exposure to the outside world. Accordingly, employees are encouraged to be mindful of the method of travel and the potential risks associated with such method. Each employee is tasked with helping to curb the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, to protect yourself and others, the CDC encourages, adherence to the following hygiene practices.
- Do not travel if you are sick or plan to travel with someone who is sick.
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after exposure to a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Should soap not be available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with others and practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of physical distance from others.
- Wear a cloth face covering when in public.
- Minimize group gatherings and, at all times, adhere to social distancing.
CDC DOMESTIC TRAVEL GUIDELINES
Per the CDC, people should follow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or local health department along your route, and at your planned destination. While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates as you travel.
For the most current information about traveling in the U.S.
CDC INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL GUIDELINES
Employees are encouraged to exercise discretion and due care in making personal travel decisions. The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all non-essential international travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some health care systems are overwhelmed and there may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas. Many countries are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and in-country travel may be unpredictable. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be disrupted, and you may have to remain outside the United States for an indefinite length of time.
Pursuant to CDC guidelines, all employees traveling internationally should consult the CDC Public Health Management tool. In addition, all employees who travel internationally and have the ability to work remotely must travel with equipment (e.g. a laptop, portable internet connection, etc.) that would allow the employee to telework if s/he is stranded due to the imposition of travel bans.
Prior to returning to work from travel outside the United States, employees must contact the Office of Human Resources to obtain approval to return to work. Returning employees may be required to remain out of the office for 14 calendar days, depending on the current status of COVID-19 in the international location visited. The decision as to whether isolation from the worksite is required will be based upon CDC and other guidance regarding the travel location. If an employee has traveled to a CDC Warning Level 3 advisory country where the federal government is mandating a 14-day self-quarantine, the employee will be required to remain off-site for the 14-day period and to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Telework, if applicable, may provide a means to continue work while offsite. During the 14-day period, employees should self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. If they become ill and need to seek medical care, they should call ahead to their doctor’s office and inform the office of their recent travel or potential exposure. Employees should not return to work until permitted by the Office of Human Resources.