Drexel Travel to Italy Restricted Amid Spread of Coronavirus

image of virus with the words coronavirus campus update February 29

The following message was sent to the Drexel community regarding travel restrictions to Italy. For the latest information and updates regarding this evolving situation, visit the Student Health Center website. Updates to travel restrictions can be found on the Office of Global Engagement website.

Dear Members of the Drexel Community:

As Drexel’s Office of Global Engagement monitors the coronavirus situation, the University has decided to expand its restriction on overseas travel to include Italy due to the spread of the disease. On Friday, South Korea was added to the restricted list, along with China. We continue to monitor the situation in Japan. Due to the prevalence of cases in South Korea, all student programs in that country have been suspended, and now that suspension will apply to Italy. Updates to travel restrictions can be found on the Office of Global Engagement website.

Just as with the restriction on travel to China and South Korea, any faculty, professional staff member or student who wishes to travel to Italy will require written approval from the Provost’s Office. Prospective travel would first need approval from the respective dean or department head, with all requests then submitted to the provost for review and final decision. 

During this time of the year, and with any flu outbreak, we want to remind the Drexel community that it is important to proactively minimize the spread of viruses through good hygiene, including covering your mouth when coughing; covering your nose when sneezing; frequently washing your hands; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home if you are sick; and sanitizing personal spaces. More detailed information on the coronavirus can be accessed on theStudent Health website

Drexel is committed to preserving and maintaining the health and safety of all members of its community. We will provide additional updates as the situation develops.  In the meantime, we appreciate your adherence to these guidelines.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Interim Nina Henderson Provost

Helen Y. Bowman
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer

Subir Sahu, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Success