COVID-19: URGENT UPDATE FOR STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL (UPDATED MARCH 14, 2020)
Update March 14, 2020.
ATTENTION: All study abroad programs have been cancelled until July, 2020
A primary concern for Georgia Southern is the health and safety of our entire Eagle Nation. Out of an abundance of concern and spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) around the world we have canceled all of our study abroad programs that leave from now until the end of July, 2020. Without the ability to reliably predict the course of COVID-19 we felt it was best not to put our students, faculty and staff at risk.
Refunds
The Office of Global Engagement will begin refunding any payments made to study abroad programs beginning next week.
Academics
If a student needs one of their study abroad courses to graduate, they should please reach out immediately to their advisor to look at on campus and online course offerings. If anyone experiences difficulties in making these changes, please contact your Department Chair.
Update March 3, 2020
ATTENTION LEVEL 3 Travel warning countries: all students, staff, and faculty that are participating in a Study Abroad program for or other international travel during Spring or Summer 2020
As of today, March 3, 2020, Georgia Southern is suspending all activities in the CDC “Warning – Level 3” locations including China, South Korea, Italy and Iran – both for the foreseeable future and currently ongoing programs. We remain alert for any changes in both Japan and Hong Kong.
The University System of Georgia (USG) has released the following statement regarding university sponsored travel abroad in response to the current COVID-19 situation:
“After consulting with DPH, USG was advised that institutions should alter their overseas and study abroad operations when the CDC issues a “Warning – Level 3” for a particular country.
Under a “Warning – Level 3,” the CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to that country.
The current areas with a “Warning – Level 3” status are:
- China (updated February 22)
- Italy (updated February 28)
- Iran (updated February 28)
- South Korea (updated February 24)
The current areas with a “Level 2” and “Level 1” status are:
- Japan (Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions; updated February 22)
- Hong Kong (Level 1: Practice Usual Precautions; issued February 19)
If you are a student, faculty or staff that is currently abroad in any of the “Warning – Level 3” countries mentioned above, we ask that you return to the US immediately and follow these instructions:
- Upon return to the US, we also ask that you self-isolate and self-monitor symptoms for 14 days. Please do not attend Georgia Southern campuses during this time.
- If you (or someone who has had contact with the you from affected areas) develops symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within the 14-day monitoring period, the individual should take the following steps:
- Separate yourself from others as much as possible. Immediately notify GDPH at 1-866-782-4584.
- If you experience an urgent health situation, seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell staff about recent travel and symptoms.
- Restrict travel to private vehicle or medical transport (e.g., ambulance), with no public transportation while sick.
Georgia Southern University is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of all students, faculty and staff.
The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) and Health Services are standing by to assist you remotely with your academic and other needs. Please contact OGE at globalengagement@georgiasouthern.edu or Health Services at 912- 478-5641 (Statesboro) or 912-961-5726 (Armstrong).
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