Updated Guidance for Travelers Returning from Italy, South Korea, and Japan

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 4 announced revised guidance regarding travelers to Level 2 and 3 countries returning to the US and recommended procedures for reducing the risk of transmission of the virus associated with COVID-19. The CDC link for more information is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers (click on the travel notice beside each country).

Travelers returning from Italy and South Korea are asked to self-quarantine (“stay home") for 14 days since the date of entry to the United States and self-monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Travelers returning from Japan are asked to limit contact with others and self-monitor for symptoms.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

If you have spent time in Italy or South Korea during the past 14 days:

• Stay home for 14 days from the time you return to the US and practice social distancing.
• If you get sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%–95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

• Persons who have returned from travel to any of these countries are requested to notify the Concord Health Division at 978-318-3275 or Public Health Director Susan Rask at srask@concordma.gov. Our Public Health Nurse will check in with you periodically to assess your health and if you begin to have symptoms you will be prioritized for COVID-19 testing.

  CDC recommends everyone avoid all non-essential travel to Level 3 countries (currently China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea) and that older individuals and those with chronic health conditions avoid non-essential travel to Level 2 countries (currently Japan).

  Travelers with questions may call the Concord Health Division at 978-318-3275 or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 24/7 Epidemiology Line at 617-983-6800. If you plan to travel, please check the CDC guidance for travelers which is being updated frequently: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers