As students begin to plan for the spring semester, including the possibility of traveling within the United States or abroad during spring break, the University asks students to exercise extreme caution in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the newest variant, Omicron.

This includes:

• Only booking travel if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Purchasing travel insurance or only purchasing tickets that are refundable and/or able to be exchanged
• Monitoring the U.S. Department of State  travel site for COVID-19 specific travel advisories
• Monitoring the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for COVID-19 specific travel recommendations
• Being aware of the vaccination and/or testing requirements at your intended destination
• If considering international travel, be aware of the vaccination and/or testing requirements upon returning to the United States
• Obtaining a COVID-19 test 1 to 3 days before you depart for your destination and again 1 to 3 days prior to embarking on your return trip

Prior to traveling, we urge all students to investigate whether they are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination booster. If you feel ill, DO NOT TRAVEL.

Students are reminded that masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation while traveling into, within, or outside the United States and while indoors at U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. Travelers are not required to wear masks in outdoor areas of a conveyance (like on open deck areas of a ferry or the uncovered top deck of a bus).

Please remember to follow all  state and local  recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing. And, in areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, we urge you to consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities where you may be in close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

Following travel, regardless of your vaccination status, remember to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and to isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Depending on where you have traveled, you may be required to quarantine and/or obtain a negative COVID-19 test on your return.

Thank you for taking these steps to ensure the health of our Rhody community. We wish you a safe and healthy holiday season and spring break.