BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The global coronavirus outbreak has prompted area colleges and universities to issue warnings about student travel.
Bethlehem-based Lehigh University has directed students in its study abroad program in Italy to return home. Approximately 30 students in Milan, Florence and Rome are impacted by the decision, according to Lori Friedman, Director of Media Relations at the university.
The students won't return to campus immediately.
In keeping with CDC guidelines, Lehigh is requiring them to self-monitor for 14 days before they’re permitted back on campus.
They will have to monitor for fever, cough or shortness of breath, then receive clearance from the university’s health and wellness center before returning to school.
"The students will be able to complete their courses online," Friedman said.
Lehigh made the decision after the CDC and U.S. State Department elevated Italy to Warning Level 3 status over the weekend, urging people avoid nonessential travel there.
It comes as the epidemic widens in Italy. More than 100 people there have died and 3,000 have been infected as of Wednesday.
University officials already had suspended upcoming summer programs in China and South Korea. For now, all other Lehigh study-abroad programs except Italy are continuing as planned.