The coronavirus has prompted many colleges and universities across the country to cancel study abroad programs — including the U of I. University officials announced via email on March 2 that students and staff had to leave Italy and the Daegu region of South Korea as soon as possible. The decision affected 137 students in Italy, and another 15 in South Korea. Students and staff are also barred from traveling to China, Iran, Italy and the Daegu region of South Korea on university business or using university resources.