Update on COVID 19 coronavirus

Sent February 24, 2020

Dear Zags Abroad,

As you are aware, cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to spread globally. The situation is evolving, and we recommend you stay up to date by reading news and announcements from the US State Department and/or the US Embassy in the country where you find yourself, along with the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization. Please keep up to date on how to protect yourself from the coronavirus and what to do if you think you have symptoms by clicking the links below.

If you have not yet activated the Alert Traveler emergency communication app on your phone, we strongly advise you download and activate this so we have the means to communicate with you in the event of an emergency. Instructions are available in your GU study abroad application (note: you likely will need to be connected to wi-fi to activate). We will also be able to communicate quickly through text message should there be any emergency situation where you are located.

Additionally, keep up to date with instructions, information, and guidelines issued by your host institution or program provider on-site surrounding the coronavirus. Should you need emergency assistance, contact your host or emergency contact on site or the GU Emergency line at +1 509 313 2222 or studyabroademergency@gonzaga.edu.

At this time we strongly recommend that you avoid any travel to the following areas due to the prevalence of the virus:

  • CHINA: entire country based on the US State Department Level 4 Travel Advisory, travel is not permitted.
  • ITALY: the Lombardy and Veneto regions, which include Venice, Milan, Lake Como, and Verona. We also recommend that you avoid the Piedmont and Emilia Romagna regions, including the cities of Bologna and Turin.

As the situation continues to evolve, it may be worth reevaluating certain travel plans during the remainder of the semester as a precautionary measure. It is important to be aware that your travel may be disrupted, so be sure to read information from your airline/airport as applicable.

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will keep you informed as the situation develops.

Alisha Lombardi
Assistant Director, Study Abroad