CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The University of North Carolina announced new travel restrictions for students, faculty and staff as the novel coronavirus, more specifically known as COVID-19, continues to spread across the country and around the world.[br /][br /]UNC, along with Duke and NC State, previously [url HREF="https://abc11.com/health/local-universities-cancel-study-abroad-programs-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/5977166/" TARGET="" REL=""]suspended study abroad programs[/url] in countries dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks. Now, UNC is restricting travel within the United States.[br /]
[br /]The restriction means University-affiliated travel won't be permitted to any state where a state of emergency related to COVID-19 has been declared. As of March 5, that includes California, Florida and Washington.[br /][br /]UNC is also discouraging any personal travel to these states. Anyone who chooses to go to these states may be asked to do a 14-day self quarantine off campus before returning.[br /][br /]The university has prohibited travel to China, South Korea, Iran and Italy; travel to Japan is being restricted. Any student, faculty or staff returning from these countries will have to complete the 14-day off campus quarantine.[br /][br /]"We did not come to these decisions lightly and did so with the health and well-being of our entire community in mind, while also following federal and state guidelines," Chancellor Kevin M. Guskiewicz said in an emailed statement.[br /][br /]These restrictions come a day after [url HREF="https://abc11.com/health/coronavirus-is-no-cause-for-panic-wake-co-leaders-say/5984946/" TARGET="" REL=""]Wake County health officials downplayed the threat[/url] from COVID-19.[br /][br /]"At this time, there is no reason for the public to panic," Wake County Division of Public Health Director Chris Kippes said during a press conference Wednesday.[br /][br /][b]WATCH: Full Q&A with Wake County Public Health officials[/b][br /][media ID="5985434" /][br /]