Gonzaga suspends all its academic courses in Florence, Italy

Gonzaga University has suspended all academic courses for 161 students enrolled in its study abroad program in Florence, Italy, over a coronavirus outbreak in that country.

There are 374 confirmed cases of COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus, in Italy, with the most recent case reported on Tuesday, according to the World Health Organization. Twelve people have died in Italy.

KREM-TV reported Wednesday that Spokane-based Gonzaga is requesting that all students studying at the Gonzaga-in-Florence campus make immediate plans to return to their homes.

The university’s Emergency Management Team is in contact with the Spokane Regional Health District, and the university’s Health and Counseling Service Team is taking precautions to identify any potential cases as early as possible.

Meanwhile, Washington State University in Pullman is not suspending its study abroad programs in Italy.

Spokesman Phil Weiler said 79 WSU students are studying in Italy.