FORT MYERS, Fla. — Florida Gulf Coast University is taking some major precautions to protect students from the spread of the coronavirus.
A number of students and faculty are currently traveling overseas for spring break, including the school's chamber choir.
They are now coming home early due to growing concerns regarding the virus.
The school released a statement about students returning from Italy and four other countries.
This applies to students who have traveled to Italy, China, Iran, South Korea, and Japan.
“Anyone who is overseas in any of those 5 countries will have to upon arrival into the
United States self-quarantine for 14 days and they are not allowed back on our campus, ” said Susan Evans, Vice President and Chief of Staff of Florida Gulf Coast University.
The school says most will stay with family in Florida, and complete assignments online.
Fox 4 asked a music student what he thinks about how all this is being handled.
“The university is just trying to look out for us,” said Matthew Vigal.
Concerns about the virus have forced the school's chamber choir to cancel remaining performances in Italy and scramble to book flights back to the states.
“They definitely should have thought more ahead know that this was a huge problem and dilemma, ” said Tyler Schmach.
An international student at FGCU says it's better to be safe than sorry.
“No one wants to get sick so it is better to get some precautions, ” said Miguel Montalban.
“Italy’s not going to get up and walk away so the next opportunity that they have to go there is definitely going to be up for grabs,” said Mathew Vigal.
The school’s Vice President says that they are still working to book flights and figure out arrangements. Students are expected to arrive back to Florida within the next couple of days.
