Travel guidance for VUMC-employed individuals - March 6, 2020

Many employees have asked for guidance regarding travel in the context of the emerging coronavirus outbreak. 

This situation is evolving, and conflicting advisory information may be difficult to assess with confidence. 

Please be advised that VUMC’s current stance is not to prohibit/restrict travel by VUMC employees but to ask that individuals exercise best judgment in deciding whether to travel. It is advisable to form this judgment by carefully weighing several important considerations. 

Among these are:

·       Do the proposed plans include travel through or in areas of documented coronavirus cases?  

·       What is the perceived likelihood that circumstances would develop to delay or prevent your scheduled return from the travel destination?

·       What would be the consequences of mandated quarantine?

·       If one were to become ill while away, would there be access to satisfactory medical care or the opportunity for evacuation to a location where care could be provided?

·       What expenses would be incurred by an undesired event while traveling?

Please be aware that the circumstances and facts related to coronavirus are fluid and evolving quickly.  Because of this, VUMC’s stance on travel is subject to change as warranted.

Further updates to this travel advisory will be provided as indicated.