The Myrtle Beach Area CVB has received several questions about the potential impacts of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, on the J1 program this summer. Here are a few things we want you to know about this important program:

• It is still too early to predict what, if any, impacts the coronavirus will have on the J1 program.

• At this time, plans for the J1 program have not changed and we expect to start welcoming these students to our community in May.

• The J1 program is a federal program and as such, entry into the U.S. for J1 international students is handled by the federal government. These students do not fly directly from their international location to the Grand Strand. They enter the U.S. through much larger airports and any screening for the coronavirus will be handled at these points of entry.

• J1 students will not be selected from countries with federal travel bans and advisories in place. To view a list of travel advisories related to coronavirus, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus.

We understand there are many concerns with the unknowns surrounding the coronavirus, but rest assured, we are in constant communication with local, state and federal partners to ensure we’re sharing the most up-to-date information with you and we will continue to do so until this situation is resolved.

Visit MyrtleBeachAreaChamber.com/coronavirus for more information about COVID-19.