Coronavirus | COVID-19 Update
March 25, 2020
Over the past few weeks, we have all been impacted by the effects of COVID-19 and the news it has generated. Our thoughts are with all of those directly affected by the virus, and those working tirelessly to prevent it’s spread.
We are so honored for the privilege to partner with many schools over the past 33 years. In those years, we have worked hard to earn your trust through excellent travel programs. It is our desire that many students' lives have been excited, expanded and empowered through our partnership with each group.
We hope you have also noticed our excellence of service. Our goal is that every element, from engaging teaching to the smallest logistical detail is done with excellence. It is our desire that you have experienced that in your partnership with us.
As always, we are committed to the safety of our passengers as we continue to follow the guidelines and directives of the CDC and State Department. We consider you as part of the Students on Tour family and care for your safety as we do for our own families.
We want to assure you that our team is proactively working with Program Organizers to make necessary adjustments to programs. Each group is being worked with on a case-by-case basis. We are working with groups with imminent departure dates first.
As you can imagine, the travel industry has been enormously impacted during a high travel season. We are working closely with our vendors and suppliers to respond to the changes. Our team is working overtime to ensure the best possible options for our groups. It is going to take time as adjustments are being made. We truly appreciate your patience as we work to serve each group with excellence.
We are aware that we are not able to respond to each call and email as quickly as we normally do during this time due to a high volume of communication. We apologize and sincerely thank you for your patience.
Below are answers to questions you may have:
Is My Education Program Going To Be Cancelled or Moved?
We want to assure you that our team is proactively working with Program Organizers to make necessary adjustments to programs. Each group is being worked with on a case-by-case basis. We are working with groups with imminent departure dates first.
Please note, we work through the teacher or the school associated with each program on high-level decisions for your trip like changing dates or canceling the program. If you have questions related to your group moving or canceling the dates of your tour program, we recommend that you wait to hear from your Program Organizer, who will be working with our team to confirm any changes and share them with your group.
Programs will not be cancelled or rerouted unless they are travelling to a destination that is impacted by a Center for Disease Control or World Health Organization travel restriction. Return to Questions.
What is Students on Tour Doing To Increase The Safety and Well-being Of Travelers?
Students on Tour has always taken and continues to take, a proactive approach to health and safety. We continue to monitor the situation based on the guidance of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and the U.S. Department of State. The safety and security of our travelers and participants is, and always will be, our highest priority. We will follow the guidelines of all travel advisories of the above organizations.
Students on Tour has successfully addressed other worldwide health issues in the past. Safety is our first priority, and we will continue to update our guidance as this situation evolves. Students on Tour is taking increased measures beyond our standard health and hygiene practices as we take care of our travelers.
Our Education Program Leaders have been trained to regularly encourage best practice hygiene with our travelers. Additional measures are being made especially during flu season- necessary time will be taken to provide travelers with the opportunity to get supplies as needed, and to ensure proper hand-washing time is provided before and after meals.
The airline transportation industry is working closely with federal agencies and is openly communicating their commitment to passenger safety. Motorcoach companies are ensuring regular sanitation of hard surfaces and hand sanitizer will be available on all motorcoaches.
Hotels and other sites are proactively following heightened sanitation procedures. They are working with their staff to ensure additional cleaning to prevent the spreading of germs.
Students on Tour is grateful for long-term vendor relationships that have proven track records of maintaining clean environments and are as dedicated as we are to our traveler’s safety and well-being.
Everyone is taking a proactive role- even more than what is required for our normal flu season precautions. Return to Questions.
What Can Travelers Do To Stay Well?
All travelers should follow standard hygiene practices to stay healthy.
These include:
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Do not touch any part of your face without first washing your hands.
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Avoid contact with persons who are already ill.
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Avoid unnecessary touching of other persons (e.g. shaking hands in greeting).
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Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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Carry hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol) and use it for situations where handwashing might not be possible.
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When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or in your elbow.
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Stay home if you are ill.
These tips will also help travelers protect themselves against the common cold and flu viruses. Return to Questions.
What If A Traveler Gets Ill?
If anyone shows signs of illness, care is taken to ensure proper medical attention.
Our Education Program Leaders are equipped with information for local medical attention through teams like Doctors On Call or medical facilities nearby.
In the unlikely event that a traveling group is quarantined, Students on Tour is committed to supporting all travelers until their safe return home, securing lodging, transportation and meals and helping to facilitate flight changes, as well as covering any financial costs associated with these items. Return to Questions.
State of Emergency – What you should know
Many states are declaring a State of Emergency to help combat the Coronavirus. But you should also know that many states are taking that step not because the number of cases or fatalities are so high, but rather to help them to contain and combat the virus with federal funds. This declaration also allows states to sidestep certain laws and regulations that stand in the way of speedier ways to contain and combat the virus. Return to Questions.
Trusted Resources
For your reference, please note the following official resources:
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CDC COVID-19 webpage
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WHO COVID-19 webpage
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Student Youth Travel Association webpage: https://syta.org/coronavirus-resources-communications-and-websites/
Return to Questions.