Message to families of Venice/Casa Artom students

by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. ('92, MA '94)

The following message was sent to the parents/guardians of WFU/Venice: Casa Artom students 

Dear Parents/Guardians of WFU/Venice: Casa Artom students,

Wake Forest has been carefully monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) since its inception. Following reports over the weekend of a number of confirmed cases in Italy’s Lombardy (i.e. Milan area) and Veneto region (i.e. Venice area), we are writing to share with you an update. In the Veneto region, local authorities have put in place the following restrictions (until March 1):

  • Closure of museums and other cultural sites
  • Suspension of demonstrations or gatherings of any type (including cultural, sporting, recreational, or religious events)
  • Closure of all schools at all levels and suspension of classes and school activities, including professional and university courses, with the exception of distance learning classes and medical or healthcare training
  • Suspension of educational trips within Italy or abroad

In response to these developments, our local staff have met with all WFU/Venice students. Students have been reminded to take basic precautions to protect themselves from the unlikely possibility of infection (i.e. wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; when coughing and sneezing, cover nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms; and anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact on-site staff immediately and schedule an appointment with a local medical provider).

Likewise, students have been instructed to postpone any travel plans and to remain in Venice through March 1. Similarly, all course-related academic excursions have been cancelled until the restrictions have been lifted. Academic course delivery from the WFU resident professor will continue as planned. Local Venetian professors will deliver alternative/on-line assignments for the time being.

Though it is currently unknown how the coronavirus in Italy will develop over the coming days, as we are doing today, we will share new information and updates as necessary. Student health and safety is our number one priority, and we want to reassure you that we are actively monitoring the situation, following our emergency protocols, and making program adjustments as needed.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

David F. Taylor 
Assistant Dean for Global Study Away

 

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support.