Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (SD 68) is examining the status of several international trips amid the spreading coronavirus. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

travel watch

Coronavirus could lead to ‘possible cancellations’ for Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trips abroad

Mar 4, 2020 | 4:26 PM

NANAIMO — An emerging global health crisis could impact several upcoming international trips arranged through Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

Dale Burgos, communications director for SD 68, said while the coronavirus hasn’t forced any cancellations yet, the potential exists as the virus continues spreading.

“There are conversations of possible cancellations,” Burgos said. “We want to make the right decision for the betterment of everyone in the district.”

Burgos said a number of high school based trips are scheduled for Spring Break and ensuing months throughout Europe and the U.S.

There are no trips planned to countries where the health risk is elevated due to the virus.

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Burgos said SD 68 is taking direction from several authorities, including the federal government, provincial health ministry and Island Health.

He stressed local voices are also an important factor.

“We as a district are working closely with the schools, the organizers and also the parents too, we want to make sure that the parents are comfortable sending their children.”

School districts in Surrey and Sooke cancelled planned trips to Europe this week over fears of the virus.

Burgos said it’s his understanding the SD 68 sanctioned trips include insurance packages should cancellations be made.

He wouldn’t reveal the planned destinations of the trips for privacy and safety reasons.

SD 68 implemented a moratorium on international travel following a deadly July, 2016 terrorist attack in Nice, France during national holiday celebrations.

A group of SD 68 students witnessed a large cargo truck hitting large crowds of people on a public walkway along the Mediterranean Sea.

Nearly 90 people were killed and hundreds of others injured.

No local students were hurt, while the trip involving 85 Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools students and seven adults was cut short.

Burgos said the district’s international travel ban was lifted in 2018.

Vancouver Island University officials are also closely watching the coronavirus situation.

A VIU statement noted university-sanctioned travel to China was banned last month until further notice.

University programming planned for Shanghai will be relocated, while all other VIU sanctioned studies abroad are being monitored and evaluated based on the most current information.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes