Coronavirus is multiplying, without an end in the foreseeable future.  As of Friday, the disease has infected over 83,000 people and killed over 2,800 worldwide.

For the first time, Coronavirus is spreading faster somewhere other than Asia.  In Italy, infection rates are rising at over 25% each night and the current death toll is 17.

On Saturday morning, IU implemented new travel restrictions on any country with a Level 3 travel advisory, identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Italy was raised to a level 3 on Friday, which is the second highest level warning.  There are about 150 IU students that are currently studying abroad in Milan.

In Milan, streets are becoming less populated and the use of public transportation is dwindling.  Though they have not been ordered to quarantine yet, it is encouraged to stay inside as much as possible to reduce the spread of the infection.  When she does leave her apartment, Blichmann says she takes her mask with her everywhere she goes.

These masks, however, are not effective at protecting you from the Coronavirus.  The masks’ purpose is to prevent germs from getting out, rather than coming in.  To prevent the spread, the CDC focuses on proper hand-washing techniques and avoiding any sort of contact with individuals displaying symptoms of the disease.  For a full list of preventative measures, you can look at cdc.gov.

Blichmann says she is more afraid to travel than she is of catching the disease.

“Right now again the borders aren’t closed or anything but things change every day, things change week by week. So kind of leaving somewhere and not getting back in or getting quarantined when you leave is kind of what the fear is right now.”

IU officials assure students that they are monitoring the situation closely.  Anyone returning from a country with a CDC level 2 or 3 travel alert must self-quarantine off campus for 14 days prior to returning to IU.