International travel and home isolation update

Dear community,

In response to the COVID-19 situation internationally, the government of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday, December 20, a one-week cancellation of all international travel in and out of the Kingdom as well as a series of other measures, which can be extended.

KAUST response to the Saudi government’s measures

KAUST will adhere to all of the government’s measures.The measures are as follows:

1. Suspension of all international travel in and out of the Kindgom, temporarily for one week, with possible extension
2. Anyone who has returned or transited from the UK or a European country or any country as determined by the Ministry of Health from December 8 onward, must adhere to the following:
   • A) Home isolation for two weeks, starting from the date of entering the Kingdom. 
     Action:  Anyone who has entered the Kingdom after December 8 from any of the above-mentioned countries, should remain or re-enter home isolation until the completion of the full 14 days. If you have visitors at KAUST who arrived within the government’s stated timeframe they need to adhere the same requirements. In case of doubt, you should contact the relevant KAUST unit to ensure full compliance (see contact list below).
     
     If this applies to you, please email KAUST Health to notify them using the email address below.
   • B) Take a COVID-19 test during the isolation period and retake the test every five days until the 14 days of home-isolation are completed.
     Action: Anyone in the above-mentioned situation should book a test through KAUST Health quarantinesupport@kaust.edu.sa to arrange the testing or book a test through the Sehhaty app (Android / iOS) and have it done at the MOH facility in Jeddah or elsewhere.

3. Anyone who has returned from or passed through the UK or a European country or any country where the new COVID-19 strain is present since September 20 until December 8, must take a COVID-19 test, if you have not taken a PCR since your return.
   Action: Anyone in the above-mentioned situation should book a test through KAUST Health quarantinesupport@kaust.edu.sa to arrange the testing or book a test through the Sehhaty app (Android / iOS) and have it done at the MOH facility in Jeddah or elsewhere.

What if I am currently abroad

If you are currently out of the Kingdom or due to travel, please do stay informed of your local and the Saudi government’s announcements. It is also recommended to liaise directly with your airline company and try to make alternative travel arrangements when possible.

If you have any other questions as to how the government’s travel decision affects you, please contact your line manager or: 

• Human Resources – 012 (808) 2055 or email HRHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
• Health, Safety & Environment – visit the website
• Graduate Affairs – 012 (808) 3412 or graduateservices@kaust.edu.sa
• KAUST Health – 012 (808) 0940 or quarantinesupport@kaust.edu.sa
• Government Affairs – ga@kaust.edu.sa 

The KC3 will continue to monitor the government’s position and to communicate further measures as they arise. We will also continue to monitor the implications for the work arrangements and leave provision and this will be communicated as soon as possible.  We understand these are unfortunate circumstances happening in a changing environment. Please rest assured KAUST and Saudi Arabia continues to be safe. The measures KAUST adheres to are put in place to ensure our continued safety.

Tony Chan, President
KC3 Chairman

---

See the most up-to-date information about KAUST COVID-19 cases anytime by clicking on the button below or visiting – hse.kaust.edu.sa

Where to turn when you need to know

• Facilities Management – 012 (808) 0959 or email FCHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
• Human Resources – 012 (808) 2055 or email HRHelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa
• Health, Safety & Environment – visit the website
• Graduate Affairs – 012 (808) 3412 or graduateservices@kaust.edu.sa
• KAUST Health – 012 (808) 0940 or visit the KAUST Health website
• Wellness services – visit the Health, Safety and Environment website