March 4, 2020

Dear Study Abroad Italy Students,

As you continue to make plans to return from your travel abroad programs in Italy, we wanted to reach out with additional recommendations and to provide support during this stressful time. As details continue to emerge regarding updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we have been closely following CDC guidance to better understand new travel advisories and best practices.

As a reminder, we ask that all students returning from any country given a Level 3 travel warning by the CDC return to their home to self-quarantine for 14 days to ensure the health and safety of yourself and those around you. If you are returning to Waltham, we ask that you maintain a safe distance from campus and any large public gatherings for a minimum of 14 days during this period of self-quarantine.

During the 14-day self-quarantine period, the CDC recommends that you take the following precautions:

• Monitor yourself for any symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. You should take your temperature twice daily and seek health advice by telephone from a healthcare provider or your local health department should you experience any of the above symptoms.

• Stay out of all group settings including public transportation (e.g., bus, subway, taxi, ride share), shopping centers, movie theaters, restaurants, supermarkets, stadiums, workplaces, schools and other classroom settings.

We recognize that this is a difficult time, and appreciate your patience an understanding during this process. Should you have any questions or need any assistance returning home or managing your study abroad program remotely, please contact Laura Bentley at lbentley@bentley.edu. For any questions on the self-quarantine process or health concerns, you may email me directly at avirmani@bentley.edu.

Anjini Virmani, MD