Charles Peckman, The Daily Iowan
A sharp increase in cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Italy has caused the University of Iowa to suspend its long-standing CIMBA Italy program and a number of UI-affiliated programs located in the country for the remainder of the semester.
The suspension includes programs in Italy run by USAC, IES, Wells College, and CEA following the CDC’s decision on Feb. 28 to raise its warning for Italy to a Level 3-Avoid Nonessential Travel. The UI’s cancelation of these programs comes on the heels of suspended programs in other countries impacted by the virus, including South Korea and China.
According to Italy’s Civil Protection Authority, the country now has 1,694 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday. The previous day, there were 1,128 cases. Delta Airlines is suspending flights to Milan until May 1.
As of Monday, the global death toll has surpassed 3,000. Top government officials including Vice President Mike Pence have emphasized the federal government’s commitment to fighting a potential outbreak of the virus across the country.
In a message sent to CIMBA students on Feb. 28, the UI said students’ health is of the utmost concern.