Coronavirus
(COVID-19)
Information Center
Policy Overview: Lehigh’s travel policies take into account recommendations and guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention; in some cases, there may be additional Lehigh-specific requirements. Read below for specific travel requirements for students, faculty and staff. These are subject to change as conditions and guidance evolve, and any updates should be followed.
Personal Undergraduate and Graduate Student Travel: During the semester, students should not travel away from the Bethlehem area, except for emergency circumstances, as this will reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the coronavirus. This includes trips home to visit family and friends, and especially to other college campuses or for related social activities. For students who travel outside of Bethlehem during the semester, their return to campus will require a Travel/Return to Campus Protocol (follow the link to read the protocol and who it applies to).
University Undergraduate and Graduate Student University Travel:
Travel guidance for students who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive: Students are required to follow Lehigh’s Isolation and Quarantine Protocol in the event they test positive for the virus or are identified as a close contact. Note that travel quarantine requirements differ from medically required quarantine (14 days) for those who were exposed to the virus.
University Faculty and Staff Travel: University-related travel must receive Dean, Vice President, or Provost approval.
Personal Faculty and Staff Travel: For necessary personal travel domestically or internationally, before returning to work, Lehigh does not require faculty and staff to quarantine or demonstrate a negative COVID-19 test; however, if you have been in a high-risk environment such as in a busy airport where social distancing is difficult, we’d encourage you to voluntarily get a COVID-19 test upon returning home or to sign up for a Lehigh surveillance test by emailing inlutest@lehigh.edu. Avoid traveling if sick, wear a mask and socially distance, check travel restrictions, wash your hands frequently, and consider waiting until you’re vaccinated to travel. International travelers should be aware there may be additional testing requirements in place per airline rules, and you may still need to demonstrate a negative test before being allowed to fly.
This policy is specific to travel. For faculty and staff following "medically required" quarantine because they came into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, the Lehigh Valley Health Network consultant will continue to use the 14-day guideline when clearing faculty and staff to return to work (i.e., you cannot "test out" of medically required quarantine).
We are working with study abroad providers in a number of countries to determine what options are available based on local conditions. Many programs have eliminated their Fall 2021 programs, but are hoping to open up in the spring. ITAC will continue to monitor conditions that will affect study abroad programs directed by our partner providers.
If you develop symptoms during or after travel:
We ask all students to avoid travel as much as possible outside of the Bethlehem area once they arrive for the spring semester, except for emergency circumstances, as this will reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the coronavirus. This includes trips home to visit family and friends, and especially to other college campuses or for related social activities.
For students who must travel outside of Bethlehem during the semester, they should follow all requirements set by the PA DOH and Lehigh upon return, including testing and quarantining requirements. Read the requirements.
The CDC outlines guidelines for vaccinated domestic and international travelers and the PA DOH current travel guidance page can be found here. For Lehigh-specific polices, refer to the travel and transportation page.
Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions.