University recalling students from Italy

Villanova reacts to virus concerns

RADNOR – Students from Villanova University that are studying abroad in Italy will be brought home due to the ongoing coronavirus concerns.

The decision came from what the school referred to as “the rapid increase in the number of confirmed cases in Northern Italy.”

Although the coronavirus started in China late last year, it has since spread to dozens of other countries. Currently, Italy has the largest outbreak in Europe.

According to information that was sent to students, faculty and

staff Wednesday, the university has 52 students studying abroad in Italy. Of those, 23 were studying in Urbino. The remaining students are involved in programs in Milan, Florence and Rome.

They will also watch other international programs

to determine any appropriate responses.

“The university continues to closely monitor the evolving situation related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to evaluate the outbreak’s impact on our programs overseas, other university international travel and operations here on campus. As you know, the health and safety of all members of our community is of the utmost importance

to us here at Villanova,” the school said in a statement released this week.

According to school officials, Villanova has an emergency preparedness team consisting of leaders from across the campus. They are meeting regularly to review information from outside experts to assess how the virus may affect the campus and those who are overseas.