UGA Students Prepare For Upcoming Travel In Wake Of Coronavirus

Sydney Cox plans to attend a Maymester study abroad program in Spain, Portugal and France. But like many students, Cox, a senior Nutritional Sciences major at the University of Georgia, is concerned about the coronavirus’s potential impact on her ability to participate. 

“I am worried that the trip will be canceled because I may never have this chance to go again,” Cox said.

Across campus, UGA students are preparing for the threat of coronavirus. With UGA’s spring break coming up March 9-13, some students may be forced to change their travel plans. 

Georgia officials confirmed the state’s first two cases of COVID-19 in Fulton County earlier this week. Students like Cox have reason to be concerned. 

  Why It’s Newsworthy: Coronavirus is a current public health concern, and it’s localized in its effect on UGA students.  

 

UGA President Jere Morehead informed students on Thursday that spring study abroad programs to China, South Korea and Italy are cancelled. He implemented a policy that prevents travellers who went to affected regions from returning to the university without a 14-day self-quarantine. “We need our entire community safe and healthy in order to finish the semester well,” Morehead said in the statement. 

Places in the United States where coronavirus cases have been reported. (Source: CDC)

Colleges and universities can help students prepare for the Coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal health officials recommend washing hands with warm water and soap and using a hand sanitizer with an alcohol percentage over 60%. They also say to avoid touching your face, to disinfect surfaces, avoid contact with those who are sick. Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of disease to others. 

Fear of contracting the virus is worrisome for students, faculty and university administration.Stay up to date by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler’s Health website and the university’s coronavirus information page for travel recommendations and ways to prepare

Alex Joyce, Janani Rammohan, Emma Kate Shelton and Drew Shoppy are students studying health and medical journalism for Spring Semester 2020.

 

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