MU halts travel to San Antonio over coronavirus outbreak
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri announced Tuesday that all university-related travel to San Antonio, Texas was halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases.
MU Provost Latha Ramchand said the city declared a state of emergency after 11 cases of coronavirus were confirmed.
Ramchand said a faculty and student trip to San Antonio for the Associated Writing Programs was canceled Tuesday morning.
The provost said the university's decision lowers the spread of the deadly virus.
"On the one hand this may be overkill, on the other, it seems irresponsible on our part to not halt such travel, knowing that our students could potentially be exposed," Ramchand said.
Ramchand included MU will reimburse faculty and students for any out-of-pocket expenses linked to the cancellation.
MU English Department Chair Alexandra Socarides said 15 members from the university were expected to go on the trip.
On Saturday, University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright canceled future school-sponsored trips to China, Italy and South Korea.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said on Monday that about 100 state residents are monitoring themselves for coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced workers are tracking hundreds of people potentially exposed to COVID-19 across the US.
