PUBLISHED: MARCH 3, 2020

For the most current information regarding COVID-19, click here.

We wanted to preemptively address some of the questions and concerns you may be receiving from concerned families about the safety of their upcoming tour in light of the media reports regarding the coronavirus.

Let us start by saying that safety is, and will always be, the number one priority of School Tours of America. Please rest assured we will never run a tour if we believe the safety of a single participant is in jeopardy. As a company, and as an industry, we have collectively experienced a number of national emergency situations and, in conjunction with the government and medical authorities in Washington, DC and New York City, we are confident your tour is as safe as it can be. At this time, none of our tour destinations, sites, hotels, restaurants or any part of your upcoming trip has been deemed at-risk. If that situation was ever to change unexpectedly, please know we stand ready, willing and able to take all precautions necessary—including rescheduling the tour—to fully protect the safety of all participants.

As a member of the Student Youth Tour Association (SYTA), the nation’s most reputable organization of tour operators, the entire industry is working very closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and government officials to ensure that we are taking steps to fully ensure the safest possible environment for our travelers. According to the CDC, the coronavirus should not discourage people from traveling to or within the United States. No attractions or sites on your group’s itinerary have been affected and there is no evidence that any participant would be in any danger on this tour. The CDC has released memos detailing the key facts about this virus and the common sense steps everyone can take to further minimize the risk. The overarching message is to try not to spread infection. Moreover, as a company, we are taking even greater precautions than those suggested by the CDC. We are implementing a thorough plan in strict adherence to the CDC guidelines involving proper hygiene and sanitation. This includes training for all hotel coordinators, educational information about the virus to all our participants, consistent communication with SYTA and public health agencies and, most importantly, 24/7 access to physicians through our “Inn House Doctors” program. Thus, in the unlikely event a child does fall ill, we have the ability to provide in-room medical visits and 24/7 access to medical care. We continue to closely monitor the situation and will inform you immediately if anything should change. Thank you for your trust in School Tours of America and your selfless dedication and diligence in providing your students this life-changing opportunity.

School Tours of America

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