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Vancouver School Board cancels spring break student trips over coronavirus fears

Two planned trips were to Japan and one was to Italy and France
Due to concerns over the coronavirus, Vancouver students will not be travelling to Japan and Europe
Due to concerns over the coronavirus, Vancouver students will not be travelling to Japan and Europe on school trips over spring break as planned. Photo submitted

Vancouver students hoping to go to Japan and Europe over spring break will now be staying home.

The Vancouver School Board has cancelled three student trips overseas, over concerns about the new coronavirus.

Two of the planned trips were to Japan and one was to Italy and France, the school district said in an emailed statement.

“These decisions were made in an abundance of caution and with the utmost consideration of the health and welfare of student travellers and staff, and due to the risk of harm that might occur from COVID-19,” the statement says.

There are 16 student trips planned between now and the end of the school year and each will be considered on a case-by-case basis, the district said.

If a trip is cancelled, families, volunteers and the school will be told before the general public.

VSB is considering information from federal travel advisories, the Public Health Officer and the World Health Organization when making these decisions, the statement says.

Tracy.sherlock@gmail.com