In keeping with our broader effort to adjust our policies and procedures as needed during this pandemic, Texas Children’s is making updates to its Travel Guidelines, which are outlined below. Please note that although the summertime represents a period of heightened travel for many, the COVID-19 virus remains prevalent across our communities, and as such the CDC is still advising against any non-essential travel. Effective Saturday, June 6:
- All Texas Children’s workforce members (employees, Baylor faculty or staff members) are now permitted to travel anywhere within the continental United States via ground transportation or by airplane, and will not be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon return as long as they are asymptomatic.
- All workforce members are still asked to refrain from traveling internationally or on a cruise. Those who choose to do so will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return, and will need to use PTO for the duration of their quarantine period or take an unpaid leave.
- Despite the widespread lifting and loosening of restrictions put in place to counter the spread of COVID-19, this remains an ongoing and fluid situation. COVID-19 cases have been reported in every state, with some areas having higher prevalence than others. Given the increased risk of contracting COVID-19 from traveling to one of these locations, Texas Children’s Travel Guidelines could change quickly in response to a sudden surge in activity. If an employee is visiting an area that sees a sudden spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases, he or she will be required to self-quarantine upon return and will need to use PTO or take unpaid leave.
- If you are planning to travel, we strongly encourage you to review this guidance – also available here in Spanish – for tips on how to protect yourself and others during any trip. While traveling, remain vigilant about washing your hands often, practicing social distancing and wearing a face mask or covering when in public. Also consider the risks of each mode of transportation and the prevalence of COVID-19 throughout the country.
- During the 14 days after returning from any travel, be sure to monitor yourself for any potential symptoms of COVID-19. If you become symptomatic or learn you may have been exposed to the virus anywhere, please contact Employee Health or Medical Staff Support Services for guidance regarding our COVID-19 employee testing program. We remain committed to state-of-the-art testing for COVID-19 and appropriate contact tracing to minimize the spread of the virus in our workplace.
Contact information for Employee Health and Medical Staff Support Services can be found on the COVID-19 Resources site.
Thank you for all that you’ve done to adhere to these guidelines, as well as model safe practices to protect yourselves and others.