As you know, following this evening’s meeting with Professors Lazar and WoodBrooks, the Italian government has responded swiftly to incidents of Coronavirus in the northern region of the country. This response has included the cancellation of school and sporting events and some towns have been placed under quarantine.

Your continued safety in Italy is paramount. As shared by Professors Lazar and WoodBrooks, the College is responding to this situation following a directive issued by the Italian government:

The travel suspension will not compromise your study abroad experience, as Italy provides several historic and culturally significant sites around Rome and in the southern region of the country. It is important that you comply with the temporary suspension of independent travel to the northern region of the country.  Please know that if you travel independently to a town or region placed under quarantine while you are there, neither the College nor the U.S. Embassy in Rome or U.S. Consulates can secure your release. Once Italian authorities have declared that it is safe to travel to these areas, the travel suspension will be evaluated.

If you plan to travel to other areas of Europe during spring break, please monitor news reports as well as the U.S. State Department’s Travel Warnings and Advisory page .

College officials are monitoring news reports relative to this situation and all advisories issued by the U.S. Embassy in Rome. When advisories are issued, the content is shared with appropriate College staff, including my office, as well as Professors Lazar and WoodBrooks.

Please know that Assumption is committed to providing you a rewarding and memorable study abroad experience at our campus in Rome. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at presoffice@assumption.edu or by phone, 508.767.7321.

Sincerely,