Dear Cornell students in Italy,

By now, you have seen Thursday's message from the Provost outlining Cornell's guidelines about travel and program accommodations. The message also addresses the university's principles for CDC levels, including specific guidance on level 2 Cornell-related travel, which includes Italy. Late Thursday afternoon, the College of Art, Architecture, and Planning communicated to program students their decision to suspend their program in Rome beginning next week. While AAP does not perceive an immediate health risk to students, they are concerned about restrictions by local, state, and national governments as they combat the spread of the coronavirus.

As stated in Thursday's message from the Provost, there are currently no Cornell restrictions on travel to Italy due to the CDC Level 2 status. Nonetheless, if you are uncomfortable remaining in Italy, you should communicate with your program or host institution about their policies and options to continue your coursework remotely. You should also contact your Cornell academic college/home to explore possibilities for completing your semester coursework. Additionally, please discuss your options with your study abroad advisor. If you decide to withdraw from your program, this may impact your ability to continue program coursework. There may be financial consequences depending on your program's policies.

Programs in Italy are diverse in location, scope, and infrastructure and therefore take different actions to lessen the disruption on learning and program activities. Cornell is well aware that other universities and programs have made many different kinds of decisions about their programming in Italy, including suspension. However, many global partners and universities remain committed to offering education opportunities in Italy and have made no changes to their spring 2020 programming. Cornell is in regular communication with all of our partners in Italy as they and we monitor the situation.

If a CDC Level 3 restriction is announced for Italy, students on study abroad programs will be allowed to stay on. However, Cornell will work with you to finish out your semester if you choose to return. Similarly, if a partner university or program is closed due to coronavirus-related circumstances, Cornell will work with you to return to campus and complete your semester coursework.

We recognize how disrupting this is to your experience and the feelings of unease this causes. We are available to speak with you and help you consider your options. Please make sure to keep your loved ones informed of updates. Don't hesitate to contact Cornell with your questions and concerns, and keep in mind the recommended actions and resources indicated below.

Best,

Cornell International Travel Health and Safety
Cornell Office of Global Learning 

Recommended Actions and Resources

• We encourage you to follow the instructions and recommendations put forward by the Italian Ministry of Health and your host organization/local authorities regarding any precautions that support the prevention of a community outbreak.
• The symptoms associated with coronavirus are similar to the common flu. Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your program staff or local partner, and take care of yourself – stay hydrated and rest. If the symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek medical attention through program staff on-site or your local partner.
• The symptoms associated with coronavirus are similar to the common flu. Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your program staff or local partner and take care of yourself – stay hydrated and rest. If the symptoms worsen or you have concerns, seek medical attention through program staff on site or your local partner.
• Reach out to Cornell International Travel Health and Safety at any point with questions or concerns at intlsafety@cornell.edu or you may call our travel assistance provider, International SOS, for advice and information from medical professionals at +1-215-942-8478.
• All Cornell travelers have free access to mental health professionals who are there to support them by phone or skype for up to five sessions/incident/year, in more than 60 languages. To reach these counselors, travelers may call International SOS, 24/7 at +1-215-942-8478.