Coronavirus Fears Cause UA System To Suspend International Travel

The University of Alabama System has suspended all university-sponsored international travel for the immediate future amid uncertainty about the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus,

The UA System includes the University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of Alabama in Hunstville.

According to a press release from Kellee Reinhart, Senior Vice-Chancellor for Communications and Community Relations, the system is specifically suspending international travel for the month of March and will reassess any trips scheduled later this year as this outbreak develops.

The suspension was recommended by the system's COVID-19 Communications and Policy Task Force, which Chancellor Finis St. John appointed last week.

“Our three campuses and the UAB Health System are dynamic entities with community members who are engaged in world-renowned teaching and research,” St. John said today. “We are taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to this health issue and all its complex impacts."

St. John said the task force will continue to monitor public health risks posed by the outbreak and will recommend policy changes as the situation warrants.

“The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority,” St. John said. “This is designated as an interim policy and we will continue to revise our guidance as additional information becomes available. I want to thank the members of our Task Force and everyone on our campuses and in our Health System who are working hard to address these issues.”