CSU Suspends 3 Study Abroad Programs Over Coronavirus

LONG BEACH, CA — The California State University system has suspended all systemwide study-abroad programs in Italy, China and South Korea due to concerns over the new coronavirus, according to a memo sent Thursday to the university's Board of Trustees.

Steve Relyea, the CSU's executive vice chancellor and chief financial officer, wrote in the memo that individual campuses are being asked to review their specific international programs and travel "by carefully studying the risks at each program location or travel destination, including the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warning level for that country."

The CSU announced a suspension of international programs in Seoul, South Korea last week, but did not immediately suspend programs in Italy because the outbreak there was not as "dramatic" as in South Korea, and the CSU's Italy program is based in Florence, which is not considered a hotbed of coronavirus infections.

Relyea acknowledged in his Thursday memo that suspending programs abroad and asking students to return home "involves a number of important considerations."

"Depending on the situation, requiring return may include taking other additional risks, including spending time on a long flight and in close proximity to others, as a consequence," he wrote in the statement. "Further considerations include the impact on early departure may have on the students' academic program and progress; the role of satisfactory academic progress in the awarding of financial aid; expenses related to early departure such as housing or lease termination; and/or increased airfare costs and/or airline change fees."

Relyea mentioned there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at any CSU locations, but campuses all have pandemic response plans in place, and those plans have been supplemented as the outbreak evolves.

"As this fluid situation evolves, our plans and activities will adapt accordingly, and we will continue to work with campuses to ensure the safety of their communities," he wrote.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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City News Service contributed to this post