BREAKING: U of A suspends official travel to Italy, Iran, and other countries due to COVID-19
The travel restrictions were communicated by email on March 5
Abby SchenkThe University of Alberta has suspended all travel and some non-essential travel to certain countries due to COVID-19.
In an email circulated to all U of A staff and students on February 5 at approximately 2:15 p.m., the institution is avoiding all travel to Iran. Additionally, all non-essential travel to China, Northern Italy, and South Korea (Daegu and Cheongdo) is suspended. COVID-19, a novel coronavirus, is a new respiratory illness which first originated from the Chinese city of Wuhan.
This marks the second public statement the U of A published about the virus.
The statement detailing the travel advisories said the decisions were made based on direction from public health authorities. Global Affairs Canada has advised against all travel to Iran, all non-essential travel to China, Northern Italy and the cities of Daegu and Cheongdo in South Korea.
Further, the statement said all students travelling on university business are required to register their itineraries in advance through the UGo Travel Registry. Staff are were only encouraged to registry their travel plans.
The university is maintaining a COVID-19 website which will be the source of all official communication regarding the virus, including prevention advice, travel restrictions, preparedness resources, and other university impacts.
