Coronavirus: Marist College Suspending Classes In Italy

© Google Maps Marist College is suspending classes at its Italy campus.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — As the new coronavirus continues to make headlines around the world, Marist College, which is based in Poughkeepsie, announced it is suspending all classes and activities on its campus in Florence, Italy. A communication issued by the college said that all Marist students in Italy "are strongly advised to make immediate plans to leave and return home with all of their academic materials."

Marist made the decision after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention increased its Italy advisory level to Level 3 Friday. The health agency said that level recommends avoiding nonessential travel.

Marist said its policy related to COVID-19, as the virus is formally known, is guided by the CDC and the World Health Organization.

"While daily life in Florence remains calm," the college said in a letter to students and families, "our top concern is first and foremost the health, safety and security of our students."

Any student who is unable to secure plans to leave Italy by Wednesday must speak with the Marist Italy office immediately, the letter said.

Students will be able to complete the rest of their spring courses online or through directed study starting March 23. Also the college said all students in Italy will have the opportunity to finish the spring semester and stay on track for graduation.

The college said that any person with symptoms of illness within 14 days of returning to the United States following any international travel has to get written medical clearance before returning to any Marist location.

Marist officials are also advising students to be prudent in travel choices, especially during the upcoming spring break, because the situation involving the coronavirus is rapidly changing and recommends all members of the community reconsider international travel.

The CDC issued the travel warning for Italy because of a widespread, ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus that can be spread from person to person. It also said there is limited access to adequate medical care in the affected areas.

For more information from the CDC on the new coronavirus, see this fact sheet.

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