As autumn and winter holidays draw near, many may be considering travel to visit friends and loved ones. Here are some policies and guidelines from the UW regarding how to travel safely, and what to do when you return.
General Guidelines
University Health Services strongly recommends you take the following actions:
- Strictly limit your close contacts to help control the spread of the virus. This may include avoiding gatherings outside your household and declining holiday invitations. This is a general rule of thumb at all times, but is especially important now.
- If you plan on traveling, schedule a COVID-19 test, and then severely limit your contact with others until you depart. On-campus appointments are available on weekdays as well as Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22. Note that results may take several days. Additional information about quick test options for Dane County community members is now available.
- Test again once you return from your travels at one of the no-cost COVID-19 on-campus testing locations (pedestrian and drive-up testing options can be found here) and limit your contact with others until you know the results are negative.
- Follow all campus safety protocols and take extra precautions in your activities off and on campus, including:
- Wearing masks when in public and near others you don’t live with;
- Maintaining at least six feet of distance between you and others you don’t live with, even if you’re wearing a mask;
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for more than 20 seconds, or with hand sanitizer if washing isn’t possible
- If you have not already, get a flu shot. Find a location near you.
Student Specific
- Before traveling for the holidays, please work with your advisor to discuss the course of action that best fits their educational situation. All in person research activities much be approved before the break.
- The UW–Madison campus will remain open for students who are not able to leave for the break, including libraries, RecWell facilities, as well as study and dining spaces, but may be more limited, especially after the Thanksgiving Break.
In addition to all this, any work that can be done remotely should be done remotely. You should only come to campus for activities that must be done in person. Always discuss this with your supervisor before coming to campus.
Please stay safe this holiday season!