Students will be required to monitor their health every day and to check their temperature before leaving their accommodations. If advised by our medical advisor or the Italian health authorities, students will be expected to comply with requests for additional isolation and continue following our academic instruction online.

Please note Italian authorities have strict procedures for Covid-19 testing and quarantine. We will adhere to these processes. In essence the authorities have, at their discretion and that of their medical specialists, the ability to close schools temporarily or long term and to ask students to have Covid-19 testing.

If the Italian government imposes restrictions due to Covid-19 surge (such as lockdowns or suspension of attendance in presence), we will modify academic activities by giving instruction through distance education or other appropriate means. 

Additionally, if the U.S. government gives ordinances regarding US students (such as returning to the US), we will comply. Instruction will continue through distance education or other appropriate means. 

Our academic advisor and faculty will support students by putting into action a modified syllabus that allows for extended deadlines and modifications to assignments. If excursions and student activities are cancelled, we will do our best to provide equally valuable experiences online. 

If students have a medical condition that puts them at a higher risk for contracting Covid-19, they should contact GLi and we will put them in contact with our Covid-19 doctor prior to attending the program to review alternative arrangements.   

Contact tracing

Contact tracing is the process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a disease to prevent onward transmission. Persons who have been exposed to individuals with suspected Covid-19 are considered contacts and will be advised to monitor their health for 10 days from the last day of possible contact. 

A contact is a person who is involved in any of the following starting from 2 days before and up to 14 days after the onset of symptoms in the patient:

• Having face-to-face contact with a Covid-19 patient within ( 1 meter as per WHO) (2 meters as per Italian Ministry of Health) and for more than 15 minutes;
• Providing direct care for patients with Covid-19 disease without using proper personal protective equipment;
• Staying in the same close environment as a Covid-19 patient (including sharing a workplace, classroom or household or being at the same gathering) for any amount of time;
• Sharing a room, meal, or other space with a confirmed patient
• Traveling in proximity with (that is, within 1 meter separation from) a Covid-19 patient in any kind of conveyance;
• and other situations, as indicated by local risk assessments.

Normally, in a confirmed case, the Italian health authorities will conduct contact tracing procedures and decide how to proceed, including requesting mandatory testing, isolation, shutting down school premises for sanitization (and switching to online teaching). GLi will coordinate with our medical advisor who will liaise with the Italian health authorities regarding contact tracing.

GLi will assist local authorities in contact tracing as determined by the appropriate Italian statutes and practices. The infected student will be encouraged to call home to inform parents  or guardians of the illness and to inform her or his home university’s student health services.

Students will be required to download ‘Immuni’ a contact tracing app recommended by the Italian authorities and to participate in contact tracing if required by Italian health authorities. At all times, students will be required to inform GLi if they have been in contact with any individuals with suspected Covid-19, and maintain consistent communication with GLi.

Testing

If a student wants to be tested for Covid-19, a nasal swab test can be arranged at advantageous prices negotiated by Gustolab at a nearby clinic (Studio Diagnostico Pantheon). Tests are also available through MedinAction which accepts most student insurance (such as Gallagher, CISI), but tests are covered only for students with symptoms. 

In addition, we can arrange tests at our school premises for groups (minimum 15 people). 

In the event of a positive response to the nasal swab test, a molecular test should be promptly carried out to determine if the infection is active or if there is risk of transmitting it to others. The molecular test is coordinated by the Italian National Health System (SSN) at no charge to the person tested. In agreement with the AACUPI schools, at the Ospedale Israelitico Medical Services, students can undergo testing. Students can call Ospedale Israelitico Medical Services at a number dedicated to AACUPI schools, indicating the AACUPI Agreement and their institution’s identity number for more information.   

In Case of Symptoms   

The most common symptoms of Covid-19 infection are fever, fatigue and dry cough. Some patients may experience muscle aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, a sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Any person with a mild cough, flu-like symptoms or a low-grade fever of 37.5° C needs to stay at home, according to the Italian Ministry of Health. They should also stay home if they have had to take simple medications such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection. 

If you have any flu-like symptoms, you should not come to school and instead should contact the medical advisor who will activate the protocols dedicated by law. 

Usually, those who show symptoms are required to quarantine themselve under the control and supervision of the Italian national authorities. During quarantine the authorities may visit students and require additional testing, depending on the circumstances. Please note that given that health regulations that govern Covid-19 are related to a national emergency, Italian Health Authorities are advising NOT to visit the emergency room or go to a clinic unless instructed to do so by a physician.

If a student believes they have symptoms they have several options for support:

• call our medical advisor (Dr. Andrea Guerriero, MedinAction) who will advise the student on next steps and handle the related processes, liaise with the Italian health authorities and advise on testing requirements or any other next steps such as a quarantine. This is the advised course of action as MedinAction operators speak English and can help with mediating with the Italian health authorities. MedinAction accepts most student insurance (Gallagher, CISI, etc)
• In agreement with AACUPI schools, the Ospedale Israelitico Medical Services will provide comprehensive medical services including full emergency diagnostic services in cases of suspected possible contagion by Covid-19, including anamnesis, eventual serological screening, as well as any subsequent prescribed isolation and treatment should such screening indicate positivity. Students can call Ospedale Israelitico Medical Services at a number dedicated to AACUPI schools, indicating the AACUPI Agreement and your institution’s identity number to request an appointment for a medical visit. A valid photo identity document is necessary.
• For urgent swab tests throughout all of Lazio, the public health ASL offices (Guardia Medica) will provide prescriptions for such testing for Italian residents; non-Italian students and tourists can go to the Guardia Medica Turistica [Presidio Territoriale di Prossimità “Nuovo Regina Margherita”]. No appointment needed. A valid photo identity document is necessary. All swab tests from all Guardia Medica medical centers in Rome and Lazio are then forwarded to the Ospedale Spallanzani for laboratory testing.
• The Lazio Region emergency number ( 800 118 800) is open 24/7, staffed by healthcare advisors and cultural mediators. 
• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or the national information hotline 1500. English speaking operators are available. The operators responding to 1500 can answer questions from the public about Covid-19. The hotline, which is open 24/7, is staffed by healthcare advisors and cultural mediators from the Operations Room of the Ministry of Health. The hotline responders are trained in counseling to help resolve questions, doubts and uncertainties.
• Useful numbers from the Ministry of Health: from Italy: 1500 (toll-free toll number); from abroad: +39 0232008345, +39 0283905385.

If students/staff develop fever or other flu-like symptoms while on school premises:

• The ill person should be taken to a room or area where they are isolated from others, limiting the number of people who have contact with the sick person.
• Private transportation (such as a taxi) to their housing can be arranged. 
• The medical advisor will be contacted and the student will be asked to follow the instructions of the medical advisor.
• The medical advisor will follow the patient daily, monitoring symptoms.
• The person should immediately put on a mask and gloves, and advised to go home (if not severe case) and contact the medical advisor for assessment
• Cleaning staff is informed and arranges specialized cleaning will take place.
• Patients with underlying medical conditions need to be identified and put in vulnerable groups

If a student shows symptoms of Covid-19 while attending an overnight excursion (weekdays/weekends):

• The student should not leave their room.
• They should inform GLi’s Medical advisor as well as GLi staff by calling the Emergency Phone which is active 24/7.
• Depending on the situation, the student may have to stay in their room for the period of quarantine advised by health authorities. GLi’s response includes allocating a staff person or a local partner to check in on the student. The student will be charged for the additional nights. Plans will be made to re-enter Rome after this period at the student’s expense.

Informing the Italian public health authorities (SISP)

If a case meets the definition of a suspected Covid-19 case, the Covid-19 public health authorities will be informed. After a medical assessment (in-person visit or online consultation) the patient will be isolated from others. 

The medical advisor will directly contact and liaise with the Italian health authorities according to the established procedures. The operator at the call center will send an email to the SISP office (indicating also the treating doctor/medical advisor’s contact info) that will contact the patient directly about testing. Alternatively, the medical advisor will directly contact the Italian public health authorities (SISP) informing them about the suspected case, the SISP will answer the medical advisor’s email and will decide if and when to perform the swab PCR.

Informing the home institution and/or the emergency contacts of students who become infected or potentially exposed to infection.

If the student has given consent on both the Gustolab GDPR European privacy form (that they will be asked to compile before their program starts) as well as related forms from their home institution, we will share news of confirmed Covid-19 cases with the appropriate interlocutors. Gustolab will assist students in communicating with their families.

If a student becomes symptomatic at the end of the program, he or she will be advised as above. The medical advisor will decide how to proceed and if he decides that the student cannot travel, Italian authorities will be informed of the extension of stay and the student will be advised on how to obtain documentation regarding the extension. If a student becomes symptomatic at any time during the program GLi staff will offer to assist the student in contacting parents or the home university and will support the student with change of travel arrangements, extension of lodging and related issues (all additional costs are borne by the student). GLi staff will monitor the situation and will check-in with the student daily. Please note that the medical advisor and GLi will follow the Italian authorities directives. For more details see: Covid 19 FAQ, Italian Health Ministry   

Testing positive to Covid-19

In case a student tests positive to Covid-19, they will be quarantined after a consultation with the medical advisor. Instruction will take place online (synchronously as lectures will be streamed). In case the medical advisor verifies that the student will not be able to follow classes, a makeup academic plan will be provided to the student and they will be expected to complete it. 

Quarantine                   

Quarantine is the restriction of activities of or the separation of persons who are not ill but who may have been exposed to an infectious agent or disease, with the objective of monitoring their symptoms and ensuring the early detection of cases.           

According to current restrictions, fully vaccinated (with proof) travelers from the USA are not required to quarantine. 

Unvaccinated people will be required to undergo a ten-day quarantine period, with a negative test result at the end. That includes those who have only received one dose of the two required or those who have completed a vaccination cycle within the previous 14 days.

If you were fully vaccinated more than four months ago, the quarantine requirement is reduced to a five-day period followed by a negative test result.

Close contacts: Quarantine will no longer be required for close contacts if they have had a booster dose, or were fully vaccinated or recovered within the last four months (120 days). They will instead be required to wear a more protective FFP2 mask at all times in public for 10 days and, if they have symptoms, take a test within five days of contact with the positive person. During this period a rapid antigen or molecular test should be done at the first appearance of symptoms. If symptomatic, the swab should be repeated on the fifth day following the date of last close contact. The self-monitoring period ends on the fifth day, and no swab is required if a patient remains asymptomatic.

What does quarantine entail?

If for any reason, students are obliged to isolate/quarantine upon arrival in Italy, or at any time due to Italian regulations, the following are some of the procedures they will take:

• Isolate in their assigned room. They should not leave their room. Visitors/staff will not be allowed. Students will be responsible for their own cleaning (supplies will be provided) during this time.
• Upon arrival to the airport (or accommodation if unable to do this at the airport), students must send an email to numeroverde118@aslroma1.it as required by Italian health authorities declaring: place of provenance, date of arrival, start of quarantine period, name of the doctor, address in Rome.
• Starting from the day after arrival, students will be responsible to check their temperature twice a day for 5 days and report this data in Celsius degrees on a spreadsheet. At the end of the quarantine period, they will have to send the spreadsheet to our medical advisor by email. Following testing, the medical advisor will then decide if they are cleared to end the quarantine. 

For the quarantine/isolation period, GLi will provide a list of services that provide catering, contact-free delivery of food and groceries (discount code may be available). All costs will be borne by the student. GLi can provide assistance for students for online grocery shopping in case they need essential personal supplies (remotely). GLi staff will monitor the students daily and check-in with them in case they need assistance or personal supplies and will provide associated costs if any.

Sanitization costs after the student has been cleared will be borne by the housing provider.

Home care for patients with suspected Covid-19 who present with mild symptoms. 

For those presenting mild illness, hospitalization may not be possible because of the burden on the healthcare system or required unless there is concern about rapid deterioration. Please see recommendations provided by the WHO for home quarantine.

When can patients be considered recovered from Covid-19 and fit to return to class or work?

• to be released from home isolation, cases must test negative using PCR testing twice from samples collected at least 24 hours apart.
• where testing is not possible, WHO recommends that confirmed patients remain isolated for an additional two weeks after symptoms resolve (disappear). Initial recommendation of January 12, 2020 regarding healed patients (fit to return to work or class). According to the new WHO recommendation published on  May 27 and June 17, 2020: Criteria for discharging patients from isolation (i.e., discontinuing transmission-based precautions) without requiring retesting is as follows:
  • For symptomatic patients: 10 days after symptom onset, plus at least 3 additional days without symptoms (including without fever and without respiratory symptoms)
  • For asymptomatic cases: 10 days after positive test for SARS-CoV-2

    For example, if a patient had symptoms for two days, then the patient could be released from isolation after 10 days + 3 = 13 days from date of symptom onset; for a patient with symptoms for 14 days, the patient can be discharged (14 days + 3 days =) 17 days after the date of symptom onset; for a patient with symptoms for 30 days, the patient can be discharged (30+3=) 33 days after symptom onset).

    *Countries may choose to continue to use testing as part of the release criteria.  If so, the initial recommendation of two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart can be used.

If a student tests positive as the program is ending and cannot travel:

• the student will be isolated.  GLi staff will offer to assist the student in contacting parents or the home university and will support the student with change of travel arrangements, extension of lodging and related issues.
• The medical advisor will follow the student’s progress and provide clearance for travel.
• The housing provider will allow an extension of checkout until the end of the isolation period for an extra cost which will be borne by the student.
• GLi will provide a list of services that provide contact free delivery of food and groceries where available.
• All the associated costs are borne by the student.       

Please note that the medical advisor and Gustolab International will always follow the Italian authorities directives. For more details see: Covid 19 FAQ, Italian Health Ministry at: http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioFaqNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?lingua=english&id=230