Calgary schools cancel overseas travel plans amid COVID-19 outbreak

A week after the University of Calgary cancelled international travel plans for students and non-academic staff because of the global COVID-19 outbreak, some high schools across Calgary are following suit.

The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) has cancelled six trips slated for Italy, Spain, Japan and Taiwan, and the Calgary Catholic School District cancelled two trips to Italy that were scheduled for Easter break.

Felicia Zuniga, a communications representative with the Calgary Catholic School District, said the decision was met with a bit of sadness — but also understanding.

"There's some disappointment from parents and students, but at the same time, they understand that the heath and safety and the well-being of our students and staff is a top priority."

The decisions were made before the Alberta government reported the province's first presumptive case of COVID-19 on Thursday afternoon.

Refunds not guaranteed, CBE says

Zuniga said the Catholic School District is considering alternative travel plans within Canada.

In a meeting with parents and staff to explain the decision, CBE representatives cited the fluidity of the worldwide health crisis and heightened global anxiety about COVID-19 as some reasons why the trips have been cancelled.

• Alberta reports 1st presumptive case of COVID-19

"We certainly recognize the great value of experience based on an international trip," said Calvin Davies, the education director for Area 4 with the CBE. "So it was a very difficult decision."

Davies said that full refunds may not be guaranteed for those cancellations, but school officials are corresponding with travel and tour operators to work out expense claims.

The high schools that were affected by the decision include Lord Beaverbrook, Henry Wise Wood, Joane Cardinal-Schubert, Bowness High School, Notre Dame and St. Mary's.