Important Update to Penn Medicine Travel and Meeting Policy Effective June 1, 2021

May 18, 2021

To:Penn Medicine Faculty, Staff, and Students

From:J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Kevin B. Mahoney

Dear Penn Medicine Colleagues:

As more individuals become vaccinated against COVID-19 and our communities begin relaxing restrictions on social gatherings and capacity limits in indoor facilities, we continue to assess the policies enacted to protect our faculty, staff, and patients during the pandemic.

Recently, restrictions on patient visitors have eased again and we continue to expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine across our communities. Last week, the University announced a change to its domestic and international travel guidelines, and we are shifting our guidance for work-related travel, as well. Effective June 1:

  • Domestic travel will no longer require pre-approval if the travelers are fully vaccinated.
  • International travel will not require pre-approval if it is to a CDC Level 1 or 2 country if the travelers are fully vaccinated. Non-vaccinated travelers and travelers to CDC Level 3 or 4 countries will continue to require approval.

All travelers are expected to follow local, state, and Penn Medicine guidelines regarding quarantine, testing, masking and should be prepared for changes and modifications in guidelines by any of these groups. As government restrictions and guidance pertaining to domestic and international travel continue to evolve, we encourage anyone planning to travel to consult the most up-to-date information.

As we work together to continue driving COVID cases down in the communities we serve, faculty and staff should continue to exercise vigilance in their personal activities. Personal travel and attendance at events with large crowds, such as sporting events and concerts, may result in exposure to contagious individuals, which would incur personal risk and risk to our patients and other healthcare providers.

Employees who have not yet received the vaccine can contact their local Occupational Medicine or Human Resources department to arrange to receive it.

Please email any questions about the travel policy or any other COVID-19 related questions to mailto:COVID19questions@pennmedicine.upenn.edu