originally posted on 3/5/2020 12:50:25 PM
ACE officials have been watching the disturbing news concerning the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, which on February 3 has been recognized as an epidemic by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in our host country of Italy, along with a CDC Level 3 Travel Warning against nonessential travel to the country, we have decided to postpone the l’ACEtalia international trip indefinitely. Our trip would have included the areas, Lombard and Veneto, most severely affected at this time. Plus, several airlines have suspended flights to the United States from the departure airport in Milan. The continued outbreak of coronavirus combined with the potential for cancellation penalties make it impossible for ACE to continue the risk in planning the trip this year.
We hope that our travel partners understand our situation, and we also express our sympathy to those affected throughout the world. We empathize with our fellow travelers for whom this decision will have an impact, but at this time the cause for concern in having a successful trip outweighs any individual inconvenience this decision may cause. While our decision may be due to a temporary situation, and in hindsight might appear unwarranted, the concern for the safety of our members is paramount.
Thank you for your understanding.
#ACENewsNow