CHICO, Calif. -Several California State University, Chico students are going to have to return from overseas due to the cancellation of some university foreign exchange programs because of concerns about coronavirus.

On Mar. 1, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) asked U.S. institutions of higher education to "consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs."

Chico State officials said Tuesday that they are continuing to communicate with students and staff on the ground as they evaluate sites and risk factors.

Some Chico State students are part of the broader California State University International Programs. That CSU program has canceled its international programs of study in China and Korea. Students placed in those countries have left or are currently in the process of leaving.

Even though CSUC officials said they do not have any students currently in the most highly impacted areas of Italy, they said the numbers in Italy indicate that the virus exists in all regions of Italy and is increasing. It is because of this that all of the Chico State students in Italy are coming home. Chico has three Italian study programs that have now been canceled. The University is assisting students with finding coursework in order to keep them on track.

In addition, five students from Chico State are part of the California State University International Programs in Florence, Italy. On Tuesday CSU officials determined that they should suspend their program for the spring semester. Online courses will be offered to allow for the academic progress of those students, who will be returning home to the United States soon.