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UGA Expert on Travel and Coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As a result of the rapidly-evolving nature of the coronavirus, University of Georgia President Jere Morehead sent out a letter to members of the UGA University of Georgia community regarding coronavirus Monday afternoon.

Morehead stated the health and safety of members of the UGA community are the highest priority. Due to increased warning levels from both the CDC and the U.S. State Department last week, UGA has suspended travel abroad programs for Spring 2020 in Italy, South Korea, and China. The returning students have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Dr. Trina von Waldner is the Director of Continuing Professional Development & Outreach in UGA’s College of Pharmacy.

“In the best interest of our students and it’s protecting those that would travel but in addition, protecting those here at UGA when people return,” von Waldner said. “And we actually do have a few people that have returned that are self-quarantining at this time because they have returned from their travel because it was not safe for them to stay there.”

She says authorities have conducted similar procedures in the past.

“We do not have any direct impacts at this time, but that does not mean we’re not preparing. Our Office of Emergency Prepared ness is working with the administration and the University Health Center to make that sure we’re prepared just like we have for H1N1 and other infectious diseases that have come about in the last few decades.”

As a result of the rapidly evolving nature of the coronavirus, named COVID-19, Morehead urged UGA community members to be mindful of the need to monitor conditions as they prepare for Spring Break.

The University is working with the students to make sure they are able to complete their coursework in these programs.

UGA is working under the guidance of the U.S. State Department, CDC, and the Georgia Department of Public Health.

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