The Coronavirus has killed 27 people in the U.S., and continues to affect people worldwide, which has caused the University of Arkansas to cancel upcoming study abroad trips.
There are no reported positive tests made in Arkansas, but there are 35 states in the U.S., that have reported cases, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The UofA has suspended summer trips to China and is checking in constantly to see if other travel suspensions need to be made, according to a University of Arkansas news release.
John Thomas, manager of University Communications at the UofA, said the University is keeping an eye on students who are currently in different countries for their studies. These countries include China and Italy.
“The UofA Communicable Disease Committee is monitoring conditions in every country where students are studying or plan to study in the near future,” Thomas said. “The university is requiring all registered student travelers to return to the U.S. immediately.”
The UofA chancellor , Joe Steinmetz, created a response team that will be handling COVID-19 information and the delays that could come out of it.
In order to avoid being infected, Thomas said it’s all about being educated on what to do and when to go to the doctor.
“Pat Walker is constantly reminding its campus community to take precautions as it does every year to prevent viruses,” Thomas said. “Like keeping your hands clean, not sharing cups, and avoiding close contact with anyone experiencing symptoms.”
Thomas said the university will continue to update its students and faculty with new information about COVID-19 when it becomes available.
Anna McKinney|University of Arkansas Journalism Student 