December 1, 2021

Drexel International Health, Safety and Security is monitoring closely the news of a recently-discovered COVID-19 variant, Omicron. The variant was originally detected in southern Africa, but has been reported in other parts of the world, including Europe, Australia, Hong Kong and now also in the United States. In the coming weeks it is expected that we will learn more about the Omicron variant including if it is more transmissible, causes more or less severe disease than other variants of SARS Co-V-2, or if vaccination or prior infection protects against infection. We will be closely monitoring these developments to assess their implications for Drexel travelers.

For now, Drexel international travelers are advised to monitor closely travel restrictions in different countries, practice pro-active public health measures such as masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing and to obtain a booster when it is available to you. Travelers are advised to obtain a booster prior to travel as it is unlikely that it may be easily accessed while travelling.