The “Corona Virus” is no longer just a Chinese concern.
- South Korea – 833 cases, 7 deaths
- Italy – 219 cases, 5 deaths
- Iran – 61 cases, 12 deaths
Along with spreading mass panic across the eastern continents, here are the effects of the virus:
- Italy has locked down 50,000 people in 10 towns
- Schools and colleges are closing
- Carnivals, trade fairs, operas, and soccer matches are being cancelled
- Pakistan and Turkey have closed their borders to Iran
- Shortage of masks and disinfectants
- Global markets are dropping heavily
The virus is testing the limits of Europe’s “open-border” policy, as countries are restricting access to travelers. Sadly, study abroad students are having to face the choice of cutting their semester early and leaving, or risking the chance of getting stranded in a foreign country. I studied abroad in the spring of 2019, and I can’t imagine how devastated I would be if I had to leave. Being abroad is supposed to be a great test of independence, with learning and growing obtained along the way. To instead have to fear for ones life, or not know if they will be able to return home, is a terrible circumstance.
What are some practical ways Butler students and faculty can support the affected countries?
One reply on “Coronavirus Update”
Thank you so much for not only gathering information and informing yourself, but asking what you and we as a community can do to help in this crisis!