The University of Missouri summer study abroad programs for China, South Korea and Italy have been cancelled due to the recent concerns with Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 coronavirus.
In addition to the summer programs, the university is not allowing any university sponsored travel where the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given the country a level three travel warning, which advises against all non-essential travel. As of now, those countries include China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Study abroad programs at the university have a direct policy that goes into effect when either the CDC issues a level three warning or the state department issues a level three or four warning. A level four warning cautions no travel. Christian Basi, the director for the MU News Bureau, said the university responses are driven by these state decisions.
“This is about when the CDC and the experts within the public health community are issuing travel warnings,” Basi said. “That is what is triggering these particular actions from the university.”
Currently, there are 23 MU students in Italy. Basi said the university has been in contact with all 23 students and is working to figure out actions that are in their best interest in terms of safety and bringing them home.
“We will work with each individual student and address their particular situation,” Basi said. “We will talk with the student themselves, parents, as well as any public health authorities that might be appropriate when we make a final decision.”