What travel restrictions are in place at this time? (Updated June 29)

August 4, 2020

The following travel restrictions are in place, effective June 29, 2020, for all Purdue University (WL) faculty, staff and students* who are traveling for work or in connection with a course, including Purdue Extension and Polytechnic Statewide: 

  1. No University-sponsored international travel, regardless of funding source, is permitted until the U.S. Department of State travel advisories and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance have lifted.
  2. All other University-sponsored travel should occur only if the travel can be conducted in full compliance with public health guidance issued by both the State of Indiana and the destination state at the time of travel. It is the traveler’s and approving department’s responsibility to ensure that the travel is fully compliant. 
  3. All University-sponsored travel is subject to fiscal approval:
    1. Externally funded travel will follow the approval process in place for the funding source (e.g., grant from which the funds are drawn to pay for the travel). 
    2. All travel expenditures must be reviewed to ensure consistency with the approved FY21 budget. 
    3. The following guidelines do not supersede or change the current travel policy. All faculty and staff must follow the University’s guidelines for booking and paying for travel expenses.
  4. Domestic air travel is permitted when such travel is necessary (e.g., when required for the conduct of research). Air travel must follow the guidance of any airline and airport used in connection with the travel. Travelers should maintain social distance in the airports and wear a face mask. The CDC provides additional consideration for safe travel here.
  5. Vehicular travel must be done in a manner that minimizes the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. The following guidelines must be followed: 
    1. Everyone in the vehicle must correctly wear a face mask for the duration of the trip.
    2. Occupancy in the vehicle cannot exceed 50% total ridership based on the number of seats in a vehicle: 
      1. Passenger vehicle (including compact cars, SUVs, etc.) — i.e., if 5 seats, occupancy cannot exceed 2 people.
      2. Passenger van and high-capacity trucks — i.e., if 10 seats, occupancy cannot exceed 5 people.
      3. Shuttle bus — i.e., if 16 seats, occupancy cannot exceed 8 people.
    3. Occupants in the vehicle should maintain 6 feet of separation in the vehicle, if possible. This may be accomplished by facing the same direction, sitting in alternating rows in a vehicle or by maintaining a zig-zag pattern of seat spacing. 
    4. Hand sanitizer, wipes and tissues must be available in the vehicle for each trip.
    5. Circulate air within the vehicle at all times, as possible given weather conditions. Open or partially open windows and use outside air for air conditioning.
    6. Whenever possible, seek to minimize stops while traveling.
  6. The University recommends against personal international travel due to the State Department advisories and CDC guidance and strongly urges the entire campus community to exercise all due care for personal domestic travel. 

*Student organization and other extracurricular student travel must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and Organizations.