Bowling Green State University has suspended all spring break study abroad trips outside of the United States, according to a letter from Provost Joe Whitehead, sent today (March 7).
Whitehead writes: “This is a rapidly evolving situation and it is likely that summer and fall trips, even to countries not currently at a CDC level 2 or 3, will be impacted as well. The University will continue to evaluate and provide updates on the status of planned summer and fall programs.”
The university had already prohibited all University-supported travel to countries under a CDC Level 3 travel restriction and all student group trips to CDC Level 2 or 3 countries. That list currently includes China, South Korea, Iran and Italy as level 3 and Japan as level 2.
“The University has facilitated the return of a number of BGSU faculty and students from these countries over the past weeks,” Whitehead wrote.
President Rodney Rogers has appointed an executive team, led by Dr. Sue Houston, vice president for partnerships and chief of staff, to lead BGSU’s COVID-19 response and preparedness efforts.
With the approach of spring break Whitehead also encourage anyone traveling “to weigh the potential risks of their spring break and other near-term, personal travel plans.”
He added: “If you have been to an area that has had COVID-19 cases within the last two weeks and have a fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat or difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you call ahead and report to the Falcon Health Center or your medical provider for evaluation.”
