Many students from all across the United States are being forced to return to their universities as Coronavirus (COVID-19) progressively gets worse.

With more and more cases every single day, students are having not only the experience of a lifetime that comes with studying overseas, but the “study” part also diminished. Students abroad are being forced to have their classes cut, further setting them back in their studies.

According to the Gainesville Sun, 41 students and 2 faculty from the University of Florida have been returned to America as their programs are being cancelled. Italy has the second highest growing population of the disease, following China. The University of South Florida is also in the process of sending their students home, while 7 were studying abroad in Florence, Italy, in addition to 2 in Japan.

The Florida Board of Governors has asked state universities to cancel all school sponsored travel to the following countries: China, Iran, Italy, Japan & South Korea. They are also mandating that students who have been in these countries to isolate themselves for at least 14 days after arrival back to the States. ”

This week, Florida health officials announced confirmed the fourth case of COVID-19 in the state, two in Hillsboro County, one in Sarasota, and one in Santa Rosa County near Pensacola.

Per the CDC:

CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

At this time, there are over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 reported globally, with 80% of those concentrated in China.

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.