Coronavirus: Miami treats virus as 'hurricane threat', Florida colleges cancel spring break
Coronavirus is being treated as a "hurricane threat" in Miami after the panic over the virus disrupted spring break plans and universities across the nation canceled their study abroad programs. Syracuse University, Florida International University and New York University have cut off their study abroad programs in Italy as well as Asia.
According to reports, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, University of Georgia, Villanova, Gonzaga, University of Colorado Boulder, New York University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Auburn University and University of Tennessee have also canceled programs in these areas.
People are being recommended to take the necessary precautions to safeguard themselves from the virus by using sanitizers and masks. With the Ultra Fest kicking off on March 20 and the county Youth Fair in the Kendall area starting on March 12, worries of the virus spreading are at an all-time high. The fest has made no decisions to postpone or cancel the event.
SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios are also taking measures to safeguard their visitors, they said in a statement. Vice President Mike Pence is heading the operation to guide the country through this crisis.
Recently Tracy Weiss, a woman from Florida who feared she had the virus, was tested positive for flu. She had the symptoms of allergies, runny nose and a scratchy throat.
Many universities have also canceled several spring break classes in other Asian and European countries. In Penn State, travel to South Korea and other Asian countries has been restricted and study abroad programs have been canceled. South Korea has recently reported the coronavirus toll to be above 3,100, according to recent reports. SUNY Oswego has also canceled all spring break trips abroad amid fear of the outbreak.
The first confirmed case of Coronavirus was reported in New York this week. As of March 1, there were 73 cases of coronavirus reported throughout the country. The virus has caused significant damage all over the globe after originating from Wuhan, China. There have been 3,000 reported deaths, including one death in the US.