Travel Advice for Dublin Students
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak appears to be expanding rapidly across Europe from an epicenter in northern Italy. The situation is rapidly evolving, with new cases reported in the past few days in Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain, Greece, and France. Many study abroad programs in Italy are closing for the semester or for at least a few weeks.
Travel to affected areas, particularly in Italy, is highly discouraged, and we strongly advise against any travel to at risk areas.
Up to date information can be found at www.euronews.com. Advice from Irish health authorities can be found here www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus. Champlain will continue to monitor news and provide updates via email.
Students who decide to travel to areas at risk, or areas that become at risk, need to consider that;
- You may not be able to leave an area or be placed in quarantine by local health authorities in the country of travel
- You may be placed in a mandatory quarantine upon return to Ireland by local health authorities
- You may not be allowed to return to Ireland should your travel location develop into a risk area
- You may be told to self-quarantine either in Ireland or in another country should you travel in an area that is considered, or is later considered to be ‘at risk’.
The ability to successfully complete the Dublin program may be compromised should a student be quarantined.
There have been no detected cases in Ireland yet, but health officials are treating it as a ‘when, not if’ scenario. Maintaining vigilance and good hygiene is required. Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to reduce risk of infection. Use a tissue to cover your sneeze or cough, then wash your hands. If you do not have access to a tissue, remember to sneeze/cough into your sleeve on the crook of your arm. Do not sneeze or cough into your hands as you will want to avoid touching mucous membranes (keep your unwashed hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth).
Stay safe everyone!
Stephen
DR. STEPHEN ROBINSON
Director and Professor
Champlain College | Dublin Campus
