SUU ending study abroad program in Italy as coronavirus spread hastens

Southern Utah University

SALT LAKE CITY — Southern Utah University is concluding its study abroad program in Italy and arranging travel for 33 participating students and three faculty members to return to the United States as the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb.

Administrators made the decision to end the program to protect students and faculty from potential exposure to COVID-19 and to avoid severe travel restrictions, according a statement from the university.

One faculty member did show signs of an illness and was tested in an abundance of caution. The faculty member tested negative for COVID-19, according to university officials.

“The safety of students and faculty is a top priority for the university,” the statement said.

Earlier, the university said the number of students participating was 34 with four faculty members. Monday’s statement clarified the number of participants.

The group, participating in the university’s Jumpstart program, has been based in the Florence area of Italy. Jumpstart is a one-year program where students can earn all their general education requirements. The students were originally scheduled to return from Italy in April.

Students and faculty have been following all government-issued health guidelines while in Italy and will be expected to follow the guidelines established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials upon their return to the United States.

The World Health Organization’s latest Situation Report says there are 1,689 cases of COVID-19 in Italy, 561 new as of Monday. That number has quadrupled in less than a week.

There have been 35 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Italy, six of them new, according to the World Health Organization.

Southern Utah University is reviewing previously planned international study trips scheduled over the upcoming spring break and summer semester for potential alteration.

According to a recent press release, 510 SUU students are studying abroad. The university offers study abroad trips to 68 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

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