Texas A&M cancels study abroad trips to Italy due to coronavirus spread
Texas A&M University is canceling Spring Break trips to Italy for study abroad programs after authorities recommended travelers self-quarantine for two weeks.
Any students, faculty, and staff traveling to Italy or any other country considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a level 2 risk for coronavirus are required to follow the guidelines to self-quarantine for two weeks, and not return to campus unless they are asymptomatic for that period. The level 2 warning urges people to exercise caution if traveling to an affected area. As level 3 warnings, China and South Korea are countries already placed on Texas A&M’s suspend-all-travel list.
At this time, the CDC and World Health Organization are not recommending canceling or postponing other worldwide travel. Therefore, Texas A&M is not canceling any other study abroad programs already underway or for those planning other trips over Spring Break.
In the coming weeks, Texas A&M will arrange to refund trip costs for the approximately 30 students and faculty who planned to study abroad in Italy over Spring Break.
A team of university officials continues to constantly monitor the outbreak of the fast-spreading respiratory illness worldwide. To assess potential risks related to the illness, the university is working with governmental agencies, professional health and security organizations, our academic partners and others.
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Texas A&M will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to monitor potential risks. If conditions change, we will update students and faculty. Please check A&M Student Health Services website for updated information.
University leaders are following developments regarding the coronavirus, COVID-19, and will keep the campus community informed.
MORE: Stay up-to-date on the latest coronavirus developments