ATLANTA — The University System of Georgia says it is closely monitoring the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Asia and Europe as colleges and universities across the state make study abroad curriculum plans.
The system has been providing guidance to its member institutions in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
After consulting with the state health department, the university system was advised that institutions should alter overseas and study abroad operations when the CDC issues a "Warning-Level 3" advisory for a particular country.
In that instance, the CDC is recommending that all non-essential travel be avoided for that particular country.
When the CDC places a country under an "Alert-Level 2" advisory status, those destinations are experiencing sustained community transmission of respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. The virus can spread from person-to-person. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel completely.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 26, the CDC has placed these countries on a Level 3 Advisory Status:
- China
- South Korea
These countries have been placed on a Level 2 Advisory Status by the CDC:
- Iran
- Italy
- Japan
Since the CDC can raise or lower its warning levels at any given point in time, the USG said it will continue to monitor the situation very closely.
Georgia Tech had previously canceled its spring semester study abroad session in China due to concerns over the coronavirus.
Given the change in travel status from the CDC for South Korea, Georgia Tech has now canceled its spring programs for that country, according to a statement released to 11Alive on Wednesday afternoon.
"Georgia Tech has students who are scheduled to study abroad or intern in South Korea this semester. Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issuance of a Level 3 warning to avoid all non-essential travel to South Korea, we have canceled Spring 2020 programs to that country," the statement said. "We are reaching out to the students to notify them of the cancellation and to provide assistance to leave if necessary."
The University of Georgia has also shared with its students planning to study in South Korea that it is suspending all spring 202 study abroad and exchange programs there, effective immediately.
"We are requesting all UGA study abroad students in South Korea impacted by this decision to return to the United States. We are ready to assist you and will work with you on academic and financial concerns," the statement to students said.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has maintained a campus in Hong Kong since 2010.
In late January, SCAD said it was closely monitoring the situation in China regarding the spread of the coronavirus and actively communicating with staff and students in the affected region. SCAD also said that it is equipping them with the latest information on symptoms and wellness resources related to the spread of the coronavirus.
Wuhan, China, where the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus originated, is located about 600 miles to the north of Hong Kong.
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