Students within the Foothills School Division are cancelling overseas trips thanks to the Corona Virus.

Two trips scheduled within the remainder of the school year to Italy and France were cancelled on Monday, March 2 as the outbreaks abroad continue to grow.

Foothills School Division, Superintendent Chris Fuzessy says the trip is not worth the level of risk.

"I would say in both cases, what underlies this decision is that when we approve a trip overseas or nationally we're responsible for those students and our staff members while they're away. We take that responsibility very seriously and just don't feel that it's in the best interest of students or staff to be travelling overseas given the evolving nature of the situation and the unpredictability of future outbreaks."

While the cancellations are only for this year's trips, Fuzessy says they're keeping a watchful eye on the situation when it comes to next year as well.

"Depending on the situation evolves over the course of the next several months we may have to make a different decision for next years trips as well."

Some students may suffer a minimal financial loss at the cancellations, but in most cases Fuzessy says the travel providers are working with the students.

"We've been working with all the trip providers, the airlines, all the companies we're contracted with and the travel agencies to make sure that we had all the information about what this looks like. There is likely going to be some cost incurred but that cost will likely be the cost of the insurance itself as I understand it."

In most cases, the students will be receiving credits for future trips although the idea of travelling at all under these circumstances is still up in the air.

"I think due to the unpredictability of the evolving COVID 19 situation, no we aren't considering re-booking or changing destinations." Fuzessy says "We are keeping an eye on Canadian travel or even travel to the US as we know from daily news reports that there is an increasing presence of the virus here in North America as the days pass."

Director of Corporate Services for FSD Drew Chipman says the school board works closely with AHS to monitor the situation and ensure best hygiene practices are being followed by their students.

"We try to focus on hygiene all the time, we share with our students what Alberta Health Services recommends as far as proper hygiene in washing their hands or making sure they stay home if they're not well."

Current recommendations to all Albertan residents are self quarantine if you do feel ill, and washing your hands at every opportunity.

 

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