COVID 19 Policy and updates

On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization Director-General concurs that COVID-19 is now an established and ongoing health issue which no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

The health and safety of our participants continue to be a priority. IIRPS and SGPS programs monitor and adhere to all requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations (see also WVU Education Abroad COVID-19 Travel Policy) as well as the Italian and US Government agencies.

All SGPS participants must abide by the local health and safety guidelines, including vaccination requirements. IIRPS will update and confirm with all participants COVID regulations one-month prior to the beginning of each program.

SGPS applicants are currently no longer asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program.

All SGPS applicants may be asked to provide COVID vaccination status prior to acceptance to the program, in accordance with SGPS adherence to requirements maintained by our collaborating organizations as well as the Italian Government. Applicants requiring exemptions due to documented medical reasons will need to contact Polly Withers.

All SGPS participants are no longer being required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the orientation day before classes start at the beginning of each session. Participants may be required to fill out a health screener and have their temperatures taken every Monday at the beginning of classes.

COVID Travel Guidelines and Compliances*

All students traveling internationally must comply with Italian expectations for travel, including testing mandates, prior to departure. There is not currently a travel alert for Italy and the US requiring travelers to be fully vaccinated or to be able to show proof of vaccination before flying. Travelers may be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to departing.

Before departing, it is the participant’s responsibility to know:

• What test and documentation is needed prior to traveling to Italy

• Understand and comply with all masking requirements on airlines and local masking ordinances while traveling

COVID-specific Safety Procedures*

• If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

• If you don’t know the vaccination status of the group, mask while indoors

• Mask while outdoors in large crowds

• Social distance when you can

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer

• Comply with quarantining regulations during the program

 * For general safety and travel guidelines, please see our Student Services webpage and our Travel Logistics document.

What happens if a participant or member of staff contracts COVID during the Program?

• If a participant is not feeling well and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please immediately tell a member of the SGPS staff. Put on a mask and keep mindful of others by self-distancing.

• The insurance plan SGPS requires for participation covers COVID as any other illness. The policy would cover testing, medication, doctor visits and hospitalization. Testing is only covered if medically necessary, meaning if the participant is sick or showing symptoms. It is not covered for preventative measures like country entry.

• Participants may be required to quarantine, depending on current local regulations. SGPS will assist in finding accommodations, but this may incur extra housing fees for the participant. Applicants will be required to pay these fees.

• If a member of faculty becomes sick, we have a virtual option with qualified teaching assistants continuing in-person workshops.

Should you experience any issues with any Italian establishment please refer them to the original Italian-language decrees at the following links: 
Equipollenza certificazioni vaccinali e di guarigione rilasciate dagli Stati Terzi per gli usi previsti dall’ art. 3 del decreto-legge 23 luglio 2021: and
Equivalenza di vaccini anti SARS-CoV-2/COVID somministrati all’estero