COVID-19 Protocol

COVID-19 Protocol Abroad

While the Coronavirus is still very much present worldwide, we are shifting into an endemic phase and working to determine long-term practices. At this time (August 2022), Penn State suggests the following isolation details for individuals testing positive for COVID-19:

• Anyone experiencing symptoms should be quarantined and tested for COVID-19 immediately

  • If that individual tests positive, close contacts should also test for COVID-19

• Positive COVID-19 individuals should be isolated (in a private space) for a minimum of 5 days

• After 5 days of isolation (or day 6 from the positive test day), the individual can take another COVID-19 test

  • If the test remains positive, the individual should isolate for an additional 5 days for a total isolation of 10 days

  • If the individual tests negative, they can be released from isolation, but should mask in all group settings for 5 additional days

• If your international country or destination requires longer isolations or specific locations, you MUST follow those protocol

• If a COVID-19 disruption or isolation extends beyond the defined program dates, we strongly recommend the program leader that is faculty or staff remain in-country and for that person to have a Penn State purchasing card issued in their name (rather than a graduate student or external program leader)

• UnitedHealthcare Global does offer trip delay as part of our international health insurance (up to $150 per day)

• ALL COVID-19 cases and/or disruptions will require consultation with Penn State Global and we will help guide your responsbilities onsite

Financial Consideration for Freestanding Programs

Education Abroad will support the facilitation and financial management of required isolation/quarantine for students on freestanding programs including:

• Securing lodging/housing for the students, if necessary

  • Or working with existing networks of vendors to determine availability accommodations

• Related program leader housing costs

• Program leader travel (in collaboration with Anthony Travel and existing travel policies/expectation)

• Any necessary coordination with United Healthcare Global for trip delay coverage, if applicable

Education Abroad will not cover the following aspects of required isolation/quarantine for students on freestanding programs:

• Student travel arrangements/flights, if delayed or missing other activities, including costs

• Student meal arrangements and costs, if not already provided by the program/included in program cost

• Goods and services (laundry, activities, etc.)

• COVID-19 testing arrangements and cost

• Medical expenses

• PPE necessary to be compliant of travel expectations/requirements of destinations (masks, face shields, etc.)

• ‘Actual’ program leader expenses for meals and incidentals (program leaders will receive a per diem rate that is appropriate for the circumstances and agreed upon in writing with Education Abroad; the amount cannot exceed the daily per diem rate established by the US federal government)

References

Penn State Resources

• Coronavirus Info | Penn State

• Instruction, Universal Masking, and PPE Recommendations

• Keep Teaching Support Documents: Experiential Courses Guideline

• Faculty-Led Freestanding Leaders Resource Website

• Penn State Global Website for Developing a New Faculty-Led Freestanding Program

Other Useful Resources

• Forum: Conducting Education Abroad during COVID-19

• CDC Advisory or Travel Notice level

• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory level