[bioundgrd] Fwd: Information and Guidance for International Travel during the IAP period

[Janice Chang]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Todd Holmes <tholmes at mit.edu<mailto:tholmes at mit.edu>>
Subject: Information and Guidance for International Travel during the IAP period
Date: December 17, 2021 at 3:13:38 PM EST

Dear Administrators for Graduate Students, Undergraduates and AO/FOs,

How are you?  I am asking you to forward the following message to the students in your department/program as soon as possible.  This was prompted in a discussion with the Vice Chancellor earlier today.  As you may know, I am responsible for the International Safety and Security program and I estimate we may have about 350 students overseas on various programs.  Domestically there may be a few dozen on MIT-related travel.  This message focuses on international travel. Thank you for your assistance in sharing this message.

Dear MIT Community Members

I’d like to make you aware of some information and guidance as you plan to travel internationally during the IAP period.

The current data on Omicron shows cases double every two days.  This creates a very dynamic challenge for travel as things may change quickly.  Please ensure you registered in the Institute Registry (travel.mit.edu<http://travel.mit.edu/>), and follow /subscribe to U.S. Embassy alerts via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP.state.gov<http://step.state.gov/>).  Each embassy has a Covid-19 Information page<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html> to check. Also, as a reminder, you can contact International SOS (www.internationalsos.com<http://www.internationalsos.com/> – membership number 11BSGC000066) for information and guidance/assistance as well 24/7.  I strongly urge you to download the app on your phone (app.internationalsos.com<http://app.internationalsos.com/>) and subscribe to the country alerts. Contact International SOS initially, they will advise, can activate assistance, and will reach out to me or my response team members 24/7 in serious situations.

If you test positive outside the US, you will not be able to return until completing isolation in your country of travel. This is the risk that you need to pay attention to – since it may impact the start of your spring semester or IAP classes. By contacting International SOS overseas, we would have them medically monitor you remotely. You may decide not to go on the trip, which is fine. Discuss this with your program administrator or person who approved / arranged your travel.  If you test positive after you return, the MIT Covid response processes are followed to support you and protect our community.

Regards,

Todd Holmes
Program Manager, International Safety & Security
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02139
landline: +16173247696 | email: tholmes at mit.edu<mailto:tholmes at mit.edu>

For the MIT community, please refer to the MIT Travel Policy<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__now.mit.edu_policies_mit-2Dtravel-2Dpolicy_&d=DwMFaQ&c=HewDBbpecYK86KWBb8Fx0DnzxvObmqf6JAhppYEfnqk&r=6lLab3wq5uE4XEENaiyGqQTtDZ_fT_rhCy2r5oyopCi6Amfsy86CqThkzXjJQ_XV&m=0EOhhoL5ZmWnWFCyTis5QGrDuKMTJCdcM2GS_gfusxQ&s=j1kCdCuRrDU2vzN7YO8YneHemijPaxwx7i_GXslrspc&e=> regarding travel due to Covid-19. It is strongly encouraged to review the CDC Information for international travel<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html>.

Please note that for medical or security assistance abroad, you may contact (collect) International SOS at +1 (215) 942-8478 or download the Assistance App<http://app.internationalsos.com/> (or update<http://learn.internationalsos.com/LP=6835> if you are a current user) for one-touch routine or emergency assistance worldwide for travel, health and security information.  Review how International SOS benefits<https://www.internationalsos.com/elearning/comprehensive/index.html?lang=eng> work for you.

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