AMHERST (WBEN) - Under the direction of Governor Cuomo, the University at Buffalo has instructed its students studying in COVID-19 impacted countries to return to the United States.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Dr. A. Scott Weber explained that UB currently has eight students in Italy and one in South Korea. For SUNY students in South Korea, Italy and Japan, SUNY is arranging chartered flights to New York Stewart International Airport in the coming days.
Upon arrival, state health representatives will screen passengers, and SUNY will arrange travel accommodations to designated SUNY campus dorms to begin 14-day quarantines. At this time, Weber does not know where these quarantine locations will be, nor does he know whether UB will serve as a possible quarantine location.
"In addition to recalling students from the impacted countries, UB and SUNY have canceled all campus-sponsored travel to impacted countries for the remainder of the semester," said Weber. "UB is also suspending all international experiential learning programs planned for the spring 2020 semester, including those planned over the university's upcoming spring break."
Tripathi has announced the formation of a COVID-19 Advisory Committee at the university comprised of faculty, students. The purpose of the advisory committee is to provide perspective and advice regarding UB’s readiness during this evolving situation.
“The health and safety of our students is of paramount importance to the university, whether they’re pursuing their education at our home campus or anywhere in the world,” said Weber. “The university will take all steps necessary to ensure our students have the opportunity to complete their studies in accordance with the CDC’s guidelines.”