The much anticipated Mandarin class trip to China was canceled due to complications with the recent global spread of the coronavirus. The virus itself is flu-like and is rarely fatal unless the individual infected has an already weakened immune system. There are currently 12 confirmed cases in the United States alone, but the numbers around the world are expected to grow due to the contagious nature of the virus. There have been about 43,090 people infected globally and more than 1,000 people have died.

Senior Nicholas Lieggi said, “While I’m disappointed, I’m glad the school made the decision to keep us safe.”

There has been a level 4 travel advisory to China as of February 2, so students will not be traveling. The uneasiness experienced by parents and administration prior to the cancellation was understandable, and though the students were disheartened the risk was deemed too great. Besides, many of the tourism spots that the class planned to visit have been closed for fear of contamination including Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.

Mandarin teacher and chaperone Ms. Daisy He said, “We are all very disappointed that the trip has been cancelled and are sorry about what people in China are going through. We will try our best to organize another China trip in the future.”