Concerns for coronavirus becoming a pandemic has UF canceling some of its trips and programs to affected areas.
The university canceled all university-sponsored travel to China, Iran, Japan, Italy and South Korea, according to an email sent to all UF students, faculty and staff Monday afternoon. All programs in China and some in Italy have been canceled this Summer, and the rest are being determined, said Steve Orlando, UF spokesperson.
An email was sent out to journalism students who are planning on studying abroad in Japan for the Olympics saying no decision has been made about its program.
UF also sent an email regarding two presumptive cases of coronavirus in Florida. Although the university reported the cases to be presumptive and needing to be confirmed with further testing, the Florida Department of Health reported these two cases as the first confirmed in the state in Hillsborough and Manatee County.
Orlando said the university is informing students to seek medical attention if they display any symptoms, such as fever and significant coughing, and is monitoring travel — especially because of spring break — to let students know more information for when they return to campus after break.
“There’s no question that a lot of people’s plans are being upended and disrupted,” Orlando said. “But we absolutely have to put everybody’s health and safety first and foremost.”
No coronavirus cases have been reported in Alachua County or in Gainesville, according to a press release from the city.
Three students had their travel plans to South Korea canceled and the number of students affected by the other cancellations are unknown, Orlando said. UF is currently still arranging the return of 41 students and two faculty members from a study abroad program in Vicenza, Italy.
Orlando said almost all of the students who were in Italy have arranged to go back home instead of finding housing in Gainesville, and UF is trying to arrange coursework so they can complete their studies this semester. All of those who return from Italy must self-quarantine, which means to stay contained in a room until confirmed by a doctor that you don’t have the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect for the virus to become a global pandemic, which they define as an increase in cases spread over many countries and continents, according to the Friday email sent to the UF community. The CDC is advising Americans to prepare as much as they would for a hurricane , or to stock up food supplies for possible quarantine, Orlando elaborated.
UF faculty and staff returning from China are subject to a 14-day quarantine, according to the Friday email. However, Orlando said UF is unaware of any students, faculty or staff returning from there.
The CDC advises that travelers from affected areas who experience fevers, coughing or shortness of breath should contact health care officials and notify them of their travel prior to arriving at a facility.
UF will not approve university travel to China for employees and will not reimburse for any university travel to China, according to the Friday email. Orlando said he is unsure if the newly canceled study abroad programs will be reimbursed. UF’s International Center will also no longer approve any students’ travel to China until further notice.
UF recommends students wash their hands frequently and avoid contact with people who are sick. The CDC reported that wearing face masks will not prevent transmission of the coronavirus, but other hygiene recommendations such as washing your hands will help to prevent the virus.
Contact Stephany Matat at smatat@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @StephanyMatat.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
