MU officials preparing for Coronavirus

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) --

A spokesperson with the University of Missouri said school officials are preparing both at home and abroad for the Coronavirus.

In a message from Chancellor Alexander Cartwright, MU announced it will not approve any new university-sponsored travel to South Korea and China until further notice.

"This includes study abroad programs and any new university-sponsored travel for faculty and staff," Cartwright said. "Any already approved faculty or staff trips will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis."

According to Christian Basi, a spokesperson with MU, school officials have been reaching out to students studying abroad in South Korea and Italy as the Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread.

"We are in contact with the student, with public health authorities and with the students' families trying to determine what is the best situation for them," Basi said.

Although Missouri still has zero confirmed cases of the virus, Basi said an emergency coordinator has been meeting with all four campuses. They are working on plans as a precaution any cases are confirmed on campus.