All Belmont-sponsored international travel for spring break has been canceled in the wake of growing concerns surrounding the coronavirus — only a week before some students were scheduled to leave for their trips.
In an email sent out Friday afternoon, university Provost Dr. Thomas Burns confirmed that while all domestic trips will continue as planned, all international programs are no longer to take place.
Early next week, all students, faculty and staff impacted by the cancelations will be notified about alternate programs or potential refunds.
Burns cited the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, saying that while risk of exposure to coronavirus within the United States is currently considered low, the increasing number of cases internationally has caused the university to act “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Since there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, the CDC advises the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to coronavirus,” Burns said in the email.
The email also discussed maymesters and summer abroad programs after the spring semester and that “Belmont-sponsored travel programs are cancelled when the intended travel locations appear on lists designated as a State Department Level 4 or CDC Level 3.”
Trips to China, Japan and South Korea have already been canceled, and the university will continue to monitor countries that may be impacted by the coronavirus in the coming months.
Burns said that the university would continue to update the community as new information becomes available.
Belmont Health Services is located on the first floor of McWhorter Hall and open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as from 8 a.m. to noon on weekends. Health services can also be reached at 615 460 5506.