University of Maine cancels Italy program amid coronavirus concerns

The University of Maine announced Monday that it is canceling its Italy program and bringing students home amid coronavirus concerns in that country.

© Provided by WCVB Boston Coronavirus

Nearly 1,700 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Italy, with more than 30 deaths.

University officials said there are 14 students studying in Italy through three programs.

Those study abroad programs in Italy decided to close and evacuate students by March 10 when the State Department issued a level 3 advisory on Saturday.

The level 3 advisory discourages all nonessential travel to Italy. A level 4 do not travel advisory has been issued for the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy.

Officials said they have reached out to the families of the 14 students in Italy.

The university said it will work to support all community members who are abroad on university travel and impacted by the spread of the coronavirus.

The protocol for anyone returning from Italy will be led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, officials said.

University officials said Monday that they are also prohibiting official school travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran following U.S. CDC recommendations. More travel prohibitions are possible.

READ THE FULL STORY:University of Maine cancels Italy program amid coronavirus concerns

CHECK OUT WMTW:Stay informed with the latest Portland news and weather from the team at WMTW. Browse the newest Portland, Maine, news stories and stay in the know.