COLLEGE STATION, TX — The Texas A&M University is canceling spring break trips to Italy due to coronavirus concerns.
The university announced they were canceling the Texas A&M Education Abroad trips to Italy out of an abundance of caution after authorities recommended travelers self-quarantine for two weeks.
Any student, faculty and staff traveling to Italy or any other country considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be a level 2 risk for coronavirus are required to follow the guidelines to self-quarantine for two weeks, and not return to campus unless they are asymptomatic for that period.
The level 2 warning urges people to exercise caution if traveling to an affected area. As level 3 warnings, China and South Korea are countries already placed on Texas A&M's suspended all-travel list.
The university stated Texas is considered to be at low risk for COVID-19, according to the Department of State Health Services. Aggieland is also considered to be at low risk, according to the Brazos County Health Department.
Since the CDC and World Health Organization are not recommending canceling or postponing other worldwide travel, Texas A&M is not canceling any other Education Abroad programs already underway or for those planning other trips over Spring Break.
Those impacted by the decision who need to make alternate housing arrangements over Spring Break, along with students who have questions related to the Education Abroad program, can email abroad@tamu.edu.
Texas A&M said a team of university officials continues to constantly monitor the outbreak of coronavirus worldwide. To assess potential risks related to the illness, the university is working with governmental agencies, professional health and security organizations, our academic partners and others.