Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science
August 04, 2020

Updated Protocol for Travel and Visitors

Travel Protocol

Source: CMU COVID-19 Updates on Travel Protocol

In order to help protect the safety and well-being of the members of the CMU community, we are adhering to strict protocols for travelers to and from campus.

On June 28, 2020 the Allegheny County Health Department provided a strong recommendation for anyone traveling out of state to self-quarantine for 14 days after returning. CMU is issuing this protocol for faculty, staff and students for the Pittsburgh campus, outlined below.

 

Travel from PITTSBURGH

U.S.-based domestic and international travel for university business remains suspended until further notice.

In the event there is a critical university business need that requires travel, approval should be obtained from your cognizant University Leadership Council (ULC) member.

Anyone who engages in out-of-state high-risk travel (this does not include commuting from home to campus across state lines), and is approved to be present on campus for any purpose, must self-quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to campus.

 

PERSONAL TRAVEL

Thoughtful consideration should be taken before engaging in personal travel, and high-risk travel is strongly discouraged.

Anyone contemplating out-of-state personal travel is to work with their supervisor (employees) or student affairs liaison (students) to determine if the travel is high or low risk, and discuss arrangements for any needed 14-day self-quarantine or testing following their return.

Supervisors may choose not to authorize PTO that would result in excessive absence from work or interfere with business continuity if work cannot be completed from home during the self-quarantine period.

For U.S. campuses and programs outside of Pittsburgh, the spirit of this protocol applies, however local or state government health and safety requirements and guidance specific to your location will need to be consulted.

Visitor Protocol

Source: CMU COVID-19 Updates on Visitor Protocol

In order to help protect the safety and well-being of the members of the CMU community, we are adhering to strict protocols for visitors of campus.

Until further notice, the following protocol applies to the presence of visitors to Carnegie Mellon’s U.S.-based campuses and programs. For the purpose of this protocol, visitors include anyone who is not a CMU employee, student or contractor.

 

visitors on campus

Visitors to the Pittsburgh campus and other U.S.-based locations for on-campus tours, events and gatherings continue to be discouraged.

 

High-Risk Travel & Waivers

If the visitor’s travel to Pittsburgh (or other U.S.-based location) is high-risk, visitors will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to being present on campus.

Prior to arrival to campus, visitors may be asked to sign an assumption of risk waiver. A record of the signed waiver will be maintained by the host college/unit.

 

Collaborating Visitors

Processes and requirements for collaborating visitors continue to apply. See the collaborating visitor process website for additional details, including the definition of collaborating visitor. Note that collaborating visitors are not permitted on-site unless they are named on an approved return to campus plan.

 

Exception approval process

Any staff, faculty, or researcher seeking an exception in order to host a visitor on campus must:

  1. Obtain approval from their cognizant University Leadership Council (ULC) member
  2. Determine if the visitor’s travel to Pittsburgh (or other U.S.-based location) will be within 14 days of their intended date(s) on-site
  3. Determine if the visitor's travel qualifies as high-risk travel from outside the Commonwealth of PA

Other CMU locations within the U.S. should consult their local travel guidance.