Coronavirus Concern: Bentley University Cancels Programs In Italy

WALTHAM, MA — Amid increasing concern about coronavirus, Bentley University officials have asked that all students studying abroad in Italy to return to their hometowns, and have cancelled college-run spring break programs to Europe and Africa.

Although state public health officials say the risk of infection in Massachusetts is still low, with only one confirmed case in the state, the decisions come on the heels of an increased travel warning from the Centers for Disease Control for Italy, which advised against nonessential travel to the country.

"As a result and out of abundant concern for the health and safety of our students, today we requested that all Bentley students currently studying in Italy immediately return to their hometowns," said the university in an email to the community.

Officials at the school said they would work with students abroad and partner universities in Italy to create plans to allow the students to continue their studies from home in self-quarantine.

The school said it was also cancelling the Bentley-run spring break programs in Europe and Africa to so that no community member have difficulties reentering the U.S.

"While none of the countries hosting these programs fall under the CDC’s current travel advisory, due to the rapidly changing international travel restrictions we felt it was the most prudent course of action to make sure students and faculty remain safe and are able to return to campus and continue their studies when classes resume on March 16," the school officials said.

Programs in China and South Korea had already been cancelled, and the school is working with students planning to study in other affected areas to assess their academic options.