Villanova University bringing home study abroad students from Italy due to coronavirus outbreak

Villanova University officials announced Wednesday that they are bringing home students studying abroad in Italy due to an increase in the number of coronavirus cases in Northern Italy.

"Given the rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Northern Italy, we have made the decision to bring home our students who are abroad in Italy. The University is in close contact with other study abroad programs in which Villanova students are participating and will determine appropriate responses to additional disruptions caused by the coronavirus," the university said in a press release. 

Villanova says they had 52 students participating in study abroad programs both through the school and through partner programs. 23 students were staying in Urbino, 18 in Rome, 9 in Milan and 2 in Florence.

The epidemic has now spread to more than 40 countries around the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases in the Philadelphia area or at Villanova University. 

FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS


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