Coronavirus Response and Travel Updates

We continue to monitor the Coronavirus developments along with our Main Campus partners, local and international authorities. The health and safety of our community remains our top priority.

After careful consideration and planning, and in compliance with Italian regulations regarding Covid-19, Temple University Rome continues to welcome cohorts of study abroad students to Rome for 100% in-person semesters. The following measures have been put in place to ensure that our community remains healthy:

• Confirmed positive Covid 19 case

  People who test positive to a molecular or antigen diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 are no longer subject to self-isolation.
  It is highly recommended to continue observing precautionary measures for preventing the transmission of most respiratory infections.
  It is recommended:

  • To wear PPE (surgical mask or FFP2).

  • If you are symptomatic, stay home until your symptoms subside (contact the doctor for accurate advice).

  • Use good hand hygiene.

  • Avoid crowded environments.

  • Avoid close contact, especially with vulnerable people, the immunocompromised, and pregnant women. Avoid going to hospitals or nursing homes.

  This recommendation is particularly important for all healthcare and social-health care workers, who must avoid contact with patients at risk.

  • Inform the people you have been in close contact with in the days preceding the Covid-19 diagnosis especially if they are elderly, vulnerable, or immunocompromised.

  • Contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms and receive guidance, if you are a vulnerable or immunocompromised person, if your symptoms do not resolve within 3 days, or if your clinical conditions worsen.

   

• Close contact with COVID 19 confirmed case

  There are no restrictive measures for close contacts. It is still highly recommended that people exposed to Covid-19 pay attention to the development of Covid-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue) in the days following the contact.

  During this time, the person should avoid close contact, especially with fragile people, the immunocompromised, and pregnant women.

  If symptoms consistent with Covid-19 develop during this period, a test is recommended: antigenic, even an at home test, or molecular for SARS-CoV-2 and contact your doctor.

Past Updates:

• Fall 2022: Temple University Rome is hosting students at normal capacity with about 240 study abroad and Rome Entry Year participants.
• Spring 2021: Temple University Rome hosted an in-person semester with about 70 study abroad and Rome Entry Year students.
• July 17, 2020: Temple University has made the difficult decision that it will not offer the fall semester in-person study abroad program at Temple Rome to U.S. students. View the message to Study Abroad students. View the message to Rome Entry Year students.
• June 2, 2020: Temple University Rome plans to host classes for program participants in person this fall (applications are open until June 15) but parts of this message from President Englert apply to Temple Rome and our health and safety protocols: Update from President Englert: June 2, 2020
• May 6, 2020: Update from President Englert
• April 23,2020: Fall 2020 semester update
• View the complete COVID-19 communications archive

Actions to Take:

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on the disease.
• For information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information regarding foreign countries’ quarantine requirements and other global impacts.
• Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Italy.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions affecting travel to the U.S.
• Seek medical care right away if you believe you may have COVID-19 (or similar symptoms) or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 in the last six weeks.
• Review the Italian National Institute of Health’s website (available only in Italian).
• Call Italy’s 112 emergency number or 1500 if you believe you have symptoms and are currently in Italy. English speaking operators are available.

Assistance from U.S. Embassy Rome, Italy:

• By Phone: +39 06-4674-1
• USCitizensRome@state.gov
• https://it.usembassy.gov/
• State Department – Consular Affairs
• By Phone: +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
• Italy Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Stay connected with the State Department via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html and the CDC https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-italy.

Student Support Services

Temple Rome Student Life Staff 

Non-confidential support:

• Maura Zerella, Associate Director of Student Life  maura.zerella@temple.edu
• Gianni Marangio, Orientation, Student Activities and Social Media Manager gianni@temple.edu
• Raei Megerssa, Student Life Coordinator  raei.megerssa@temple.edu
• Alumni Assistants

Confidential support:

• In-house counselor (please contact the student life team for the contact of our in-house counselor:  turcounseling@gmail.com)

Additional Resources Available:

Health and Wellness:

• Online Tuttleman Counseling Services
• Online Counseling with International SOS
• Temple University Wellness Center
• Disability Resources and Services
• Temple’s CARE Team
• Student Conduct (to make referrals) sccs@temple.edu 

Financial Support:

• Student Emergency Aid Fund
• Temple University FAST Fund
• Cherry Pantry
  • Donations to the Cherry Pantry

Important Phone Numbers

After contacting the appropriate first-responder services (police, ambulance, etc.) in case of emergency, please also inform Temple Rome staff of your situation by calling:

• Temple University Rome: (+39) 06 320 2808 (during school hours)
• Temple Rome Emergency Number: see the back of your Temple Rome ID for this phone #, which should be called outside school hours
• International SOS: see the back of your Temple Rome ID for this phone #, which is active 24/7

General Safety Tips

Generally speaking, there is less violent crime in Italy than in the United States. However, petty crime like pick-pocketing is common in Rome. Use the following tips to keep yourself and your valuables safe throughout your study abroad experience:

• Always carry a working cell phone, so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
• Always carry your Temple Rome student ID card, which has emergency contact information listed on the back.
• Do not travel alone, especially at night. Be wary of empty train cars.
• As a pedestrian, be aware of vehicles that may speed and run red lights. Always be alert when crossing the street, even when you have the right of way in a crosswalk.
• Drink responsibly. Alcohol abuse is the cause of most serious accidents. Never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger.
• Go out in pairs or groups, and never leave a fellow student alone in a bar. Keep an eye out for each other!
• Keep your money and documents in two different places.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport with you (separate from your passport).
• Always take your phone with you so the University can reach you while you are away.

Avoiding Theft

• Be extra vigilant in crowded tourist areas.
• Carry only what you need (cash, credit cards, identity documents).
• Don’t keep valuables in back pockets.
• Hold bags in front of you on public transportation and in crowded places.
• Thieves can sometimes snatch purses and cameras from moving vehicles, so make sure to keep your valuables away from traffic while walking.
• Use a security pouch for sensitive documents, including your passport, permesso di soggiorno, etc.
• Be especially aware of your belongings in moments of sudden distraction (a stranger approaches asking for the time or directions, etc.), as pickpockets often work in pairs.

U.S. Embassy in Rome

The U.S. Embassy in Rome provides a variety of services for American citizens living/traveling/studying abroad, and is located at the following address:

The U.S. Department of State may issue public announcements concerning potential terrorist threats to Americans overseas. We will post these announcements, along with instructions from the university, on our list serv and the private Temple Rome Facebook page.

We encourage all students to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) by clicking the button below:

Once enrolled, you will receive updated travel alerts and warnings from the U.S. Embassy in Rome, as well as the nearest diplomatic mission while you are traveling. STEP also helps family and friends contact you in case of emergency.

More travel safety information from the U.S. Department of State can be found at travel.state.gov. 

Lost Passports

If you lose your passport, you can apply for a renewal or an Emergency Travel Document at the U.S. Embassy.  International SOS is available to help if you lose travel documents, contact them at the phone # listed on your Temple Rome ID.

For more information on how to replace your lost or stolen passport, please visit the US Embassy’s website directly by clicking the button below:

In emergency situations, outside of normal service hours and on weekends and holidays, please call (+39) 06 46741 and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.

Lost Valuables

If you are a victim of a crime or a theft, you will need to file a police report (denuncia) at any Carabinieri or Polizia station. The report will list all of your stolen items, and can be used for filing insurance claims or replacing passports and traveler’s checks.  It is your personal responsibility to file a police report.  You should bring your passport and/or any other identification you possess with you when you file your report.

If you lose your credit card, report it immediately to your bank or credit provider.