The University is cancelling all 2020 spring semester study abroad programs in Italy due to coronavirus and has restrictions on travel to China, South Korea and Italy, according to a campus-wide email Saturday.
The cancellation of spring study abroad to Italy is part of UNC's expanded restrictions on nonessential travel to the country, according to the email. The email said there are currently no changes to summer or fall semester study abroad programs
There are currently 48 students from the University studying abroad in Italy, the third most popular study abroad destination for UNC programs. According toThe Washington Post, there have been more than 1,000 reported coronavirus cases and 29 deaths in Italy.
University decisions are informed by guidance from the U.S. Department of State, the campus-wide email said. The department has issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory to Italy, as well as a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory to the Lombardy and Veneto regions.
According to the email, University students, faculty and staff who are engaged in research in the restricted countries and whose travel may be essential must contact Andrew Hunt, global operations specialist.
The University has created a website for information about the virus and major changes related to UNC.
