The Governor’s travel advisory encourages us to avoid non-essential travel at this time to avoid risks of spreading the virus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends limiting travel at this time. With this caution in mind, we are urging you to minimize travel to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. If you must travel, however, Gonzaga University provides this guidance in accordance with the CDC, state, and regional agencies.
Prior to travel
- If you are traveling and a negative test result is required, i.e., Hawaii, you may request to be tested by contacting Eric Baldwin to arrange an appointment. This does not apply to travel to areas where tests are not required by state or federal agencies.
- We are recommending that you have a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before your trip. Make sure you have the results of a negative test before you travel. Keep a copy of your result with you during travel, as you may be asked for it.
- DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU TEST POSITIVE. Immediately isolate yourself, follow public health recommendations, and call the COVID-19 hotline at (509) 313-7070 and select option 1.
After you return from travel
- You should get tested again 3-5 days after your trip. You may test at Gonzaga University Health and Counseling Services for post-travel purposes, or for signs, symptoms, and exposures to COVID-19. You should also self-quarantine in your residence for a full 7 days after travel, even if your test is negative. If you don’t get tested, you should self-quarantine in your residence for 10 days after travel.
- You may have been exposed to COVID-19 on your travels, so take actions to protect others. If there are people in your residence who did not travel with you, wear a mask and ask everyone in the household to wear masks in shared spaces inside your home during your period of self-quarantine.
Tips for staying overnight if you must travel
- Wear masks while in shared spaces indoors. Masks may be removed for eating, drinking, and sleeping, but individuals from different households should stay 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arms lengths) apart from each other at all times. Avoid singing or shouting while indoors. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially upon arrival. Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors or by placing central air and heating on continuous circulation. Spend time together outdoors for interpersonal interactions if at all possible.
- If you must travel, be prepared. Know what you will do if you, a family member, or friend becomes sick during the visit. Make plans for isolation, medical care, basic care, and quarantining exposed people. For additional travel information, please go to the following sites.
- WA State Additional Travel Advisory Information
- CDC Travel Guidance
The information above is adapted from the CDC and the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) and has been reviewed by the Spokane Regional Health District.