Local school districts halt some field trips due to coronavirus

Schools are putting a halt on many field trips, namely ones outside of the country.

Here’s what we’re learning from local districts:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

"All previously scheduled CMS-sponsored international field trips will be paused until at least July 31. We realize this may have a financial impact for some students and families, and we’ll work with our partners to find alternative options for these students. We will share details as we get them.

We will suspend the approval process for not-yet-scheduled international field trips until at least July 31. Please note: We do not control non-CMS sponsored international trips. However, we are advising trip leaders to consider pausing their plans until we have more information.

Domestic field trips to areas that have not been identified as places of community transmissions of the coronavirus will proceed as scheduled."

District-sponsored trips of any kind for staff and students were suspended starting Tuesday, officials said.

Union County Public Schools

"As of March 9, 2020, all UCPS-sponsored international field trips are cancelled until further notice. In addition, all UCPS-sponsored travel to areas where a state of emergency has been declared are cancelled for students and staff. The health and safety of students and staff is our priority. This is an emerging matter and we want to ensure that our parents, employees and students are informed with accurate information. Updates will be posted to this page and through UCPS communication channels as more information is released."

A rep tells Channel 9 they're working with travel companies to inquire about options for refunds and/or exchanges.

Mooresville Graded Schools

"We do have a group of high school students who are in England and France this week. We have been working closely with our county and state health agencies to make sure all precautions were taken prior to their departure and again upon their return. The students going on this trip contracted directly with the travel agency, Explorica, who also has kept a close eye on COVID-19 and had contingency travel plans in case if needed. None of the areas the students are traveling to are under elevated travel advisories at this time. Ultimately, however, the decision to continue on the trip was between each student's family and Explorica.

Of course, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 and work with our local health agencies not just for our students who traveled over Spring Break but for all of our students in Mooresville Graded School District. Thank you and let me know if you have any other questions."

Iredell-Statesville Schools

“The Iredell-Statesville Schools will suspend all school related out-of-county travel for staff and students beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 until further notice. This does not include athletics at this time. We are awaiting guidance from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) in regard to athletic events.”

Channel 9 has reached out to several districts and will update this story once we hear back.

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