Local universities cancel travel abroad programs amid coronavirus outbreak

Sunday, March 1, 2020
Local universities cancel study abroad programs amid coronavirus outbreak
The big three colleges in the area have expanded travel restrictions to several countries severely affected by the recent coronavirus outbreak.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The big three colleges in the area have expanded travel restrictions to several countries severely affected by the recent coronavirus outbreak.

UNC Chapel Hill expanded travel restrictions amid the coronavirus outbreak by canceling all spring study abroad programs in Italy.

The decision comes after the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 Do Not Travel advisory. The Lombardy and Veneto region of Italy are Level 4.

Coronavirus: Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US

The CDC also issued a Level 3 Avoid Nonessential Travel Advisory for Italy.

Travel restrictions are now in place for China, South Korea and Italy.

Coronavirus: From hand-washing to wearing masks, here's how to protect yourself

Duke University's Study in China summer program will now be run in Wilmington.

NC State is prohibiting university-related travel to countries designated as Level 2 or 3 by the CDC.

RELATED: North Carolina schools put restrictions in place to protect students from coronavirus threat

UNC said it is in contact with students in the affected countries about their return to the United States.

The university said Saturday there are currently no changes to the summer or fall 2020 study abroad programs.

RELATED: Is the new COVID-19 virus more 'deadly' than flu? Not exactly

Some students are studying in countries categorized as CDC Alert Level 2. UNC said these students should stay in contact with their advisors and follow the recommendations of their host

RELATED: Busting COVID-19 coronavirus myths: Facts from the Centers for Disease Control

Click here for the latest local, national and international coronavirus coverage