Travel update - Tuesday 4 March 2020
Dear colleague,
Given the rapidly evolving situation regarding Covid-19 I wanted to update you on the University’s position. Today we have learned of two further confirmed cases in Scotland taking the total number of Scottish cases to three. One of the new cases is in the Grampian area and the NHS is advising that both new patients are currently clinically well.
The health and safety of our students and staff is paramount and we continue to take our lead from national guidance while regularly updating our coronavirus webpages and responding to queries from our community if they are not already answered in our FAQs.
The University is following Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidelines with regard to staff and student travel but we would ask those due to travel overseas to check the latest guidance on restricted areas, regularly and before travelling. Guidance should also be monitored for visitors to campus from overseas who should also check their travel advice in-country.
Any concerns about potential overseas travel should be raised with your line-manager - staff should not put themselves at risk while on University business.
While the University will continue to follow national guidance, there are extra steps we would ask staff and students to consider before committing to overseas travel – for business or leisure.
- Staff should ensure they are aware of the guidance for staff travelling overseas.
- Staff and students should also consider the following:
BEFORE travel
- Do you need to travel now – or could the trip be delayed or done virtually?
- Is your planned destination a category 1 or category 2 country as outlined by Health Protection Scotland?
- Are you following government advice as outlined under Fit For Travel?
- Have you reached out to local contacts to gauge the situation on the ground?
- Do you have a contingency plan if advice changes while you are travelling?
- Have you got insurance and will your insurance cover any changes? (Note: insurance companies may not reimburse you if you change your mind about travel if there is no change in official travel advice)
- Business travel should be booked through the University travel agent - Diversity
- Can you delay booking your travel until as close to your travel date as possible to mitigate against any possible change in government advice and travel restrictions?
WHILE you are away
- Continue to follow public hygiene advice, specifically
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin, and wash your hands.
- Continue to follow the government advice as outlined under Fit For Travel.
On RETURNING home
- Pay attention to your health on return, particularly over the first 14 days.
- You may need to get medical advice if you’ve been somewhere with a higher risk.
- Guidance for returning travellers is available here.
If you have any concerns regarding travel or otherwise contact coronavirus@abdn.ac.uk.
Best wishes
Karl
Professor Karl Leydecker
Chair of the Coronavirus Steering Group
Senior Vice-Principal