Self-Quarantine Notice for Travelers Returning from China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea
March 5, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has added Italy, Iran, and South Korea to its list of countries with widespread sustained (ongoing) transmission of COVID-19. These countries now have CDC Level 3 Travel Health Notices.
If you have returned from China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea since Feb. 24, you are asked to stay home for 14 days from the time you arrived back in the U.S.
You may need a letter from your local public health department clearing you to return to university work. (CU Anschutz operations do not affect the University of Colorado Hospital or Children's Hospital Colorado. Faculty assigned to work in the clinics/hospitals on campus must check with hospitals on policies.)
Please adhere to the following guidance from the CDC and the CDPHE. (See additional CDC guidance for preventing COVID-19 spread in communities.)
Self-Quarantine
Whether you feel sick or not, you should stay home for 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries). Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
For additional questions on monitoring your health, contact the Colorado Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 hotline at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. You can also email COHELP@RMPDC.org.
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you have symptoms and were in an affected area (or were in contact with someone from an affected area) call the Denver Public Health Epi Line at 303-602-3614. Someone on that line will be able to offer guidance and direct you to healthcare.
If you get sick with fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:
- Seek medical care. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
- Tell your doctor about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
If you need to seek medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel to an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.