From the Chief Financial Officer: A message about travel

Dear UT Health San Antonio community:

As previously communicated by President Henrich, planning can begin for business travel occurring on or after July 1, 2021. Travel policies and procedures as defined by the Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) 6.2 remain in place.

As a reminder, international business trips must be registered and overseas business travel to high-risk areas requires review and approval by the International Oversight Committee (IOC) in accordance with HOP 15.2 and UT  System Policy 190. Please be advised that The University of Texas System has directed that all international travel must be considered high risk through Dec. 31, 2021, regardless of the travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department.

The criticality of travel should be carefully measured. All travel remains highly complex and presents potential threats to the health and safety of our campus community. Business operations may also be impacted by changing reentry restrictions and possible quarantine requirements.

If approved to travel abroad, the following safety precautions, as currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, should be taken.

  • Do not travel internationally until fully vaccinated (2 weeks after a 1-dose vaccine, or 2 weeks after a 2-dose vaccine).
  • Wear a mask, maintain social distance, and sanitize regularly during travel.
  • To gain entry back into the U.S., all passengers, including vaccinated individuals, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test no more than 3 days before travel.
  • Get tested 3-5 days after travel.
    • If vaccinated, self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. Isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
    • If unvaccinated, stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel even if you test negative.
    • If you are not sick and can work from home upon return from your trip, there is no need to take sick or vacation leave during this quarantine period. Simply work from home during this time.
    • If the travel was for personal reasons and you can’t work from home, then vacation or personal leave should be used during this quarantine period since the travel is not required for your job.
    • If the travel was for business purposes and you can’t work from home, then emergency leave may be available during this quarantine period. Contact Leave Administration to request the use of emergency leave.
  • If you don’t get tested after travel, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel whether vaccinated or not.
    • If you are not sick and can work from home upon return from your trip, there is no need to take sick or vacation leave during this quarantine period. Simply work from home during this time.
    • If the travel was for personal reasons and you can’t work from home, then vacation or personal leave should be used during this quarantine period since the travel is not required for your job.
    • If the travel was for business purposes and you can’t work from home, then emergency leave may be available during this quarantine period. Contact the Leave Administrator to request the use of emergency leave.
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 10-14 days after travel. Isolate and get tested if symptoms develop. Avoid being around people who are high risk for 14 days.

The Office of International Services can provide additional travel information and updates. Email abroad@uthscsa.edu or call (210) 567-6241.

Ginny Gomez-Leon, MBA, CPA
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



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