By Benjamin Pontz, Editor-in-Chief
Students studying abroad in Italy must either sign a new special waiver within 48 hours or return home as the coronavirus spreads throughout the country, which now has more than 1,100 confirmed cases. The college protocol, which is standard when students are in countries with U.S. State Department Travel Warnings, was triggered when the State Department issued a level three warning — urging Americans to “Reconsider Travel” — for the country Friday evening. On Saturday, Vice President Mike Pence announced a level four warning for northern parts of Italy, where the virus is most acute.
Gettysburg College has four students studying abroad this semester in Rome. Their classes this week were held online while travel as part of the program was canceled through March 15. Now, students will have to return home or sign a waiver to stay in the country.
“In light of the Level 3 advisory, our policy for students studying abroad is active, meaning students need to sign a secondary waiver or make arrangements to return home,” college spokesperson Jamie Yates said. “The study abroad program is making it possible for students to complete their coursework online/remotely.”
Earlier Friday, three planned spring break trips were canceled including one bound for Rome and Montenegro.
This article will be updated.
