Students, Faculty and Staff:
UNC-Chapel Hill is expanding its travel restrictions on nonessential University-affiliated travel to Italy, including the cancellation of all spring 2020 semester study abroad programs in Italy. Travel restrictions are now in place for China, South Korea and Italy.
We are communicating with affected students studying abroad in these countries about their return to the United States and their academic continuation options. At this time, there are no changes to the summer or fall 2020 study abroad programs.
As a reminder, our decisions are informed by guidance from the U.S. Department of State, which issued a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory. The Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy are Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a Warning – Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel advisory for Italy.
Students, faculty and staff who are engaged in research in these countries and may be considered an essential traveler must contact Andrew Hunt, global operations specialist, to initiate further review and approval.
Some members of our community are studying and working in countries that are currently categorized as CDC Alert Level 2 due to the sustained community spread of COVID-19. Students in these countries should stay in contact with their study abroad advisor and follow the recommendations of their host institutions. If you have personal concerns about your health and safety related to COVID-19, please contact your study abroad program advisor.
We are actively tracking updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. State Department and the North Carolina Division of Public Health.
This is a rapidly changing situation around the globe. We will continue to communicate major changes related to the University. Additionally, for the most up-to-date campus information and resources, please visit the UNC-Chapel Hill COVID-19 website.
Sincerely,
Barbara Stephenson, PhD
Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Chief Global Officer
U.S. Ambassador (Retired)