Ohio State University announced Tuesday that the school is suspending in-person classes on campus until March 30.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday the state had three confirmed coronavirus cases. The Buckeye state is currently monitoring five people with three suspected cases coming from Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.
Ohio State President Michael Drake said there was “no campus-associated” cases of the coronavirus, but he expects there to be more cases in the state.
“We are being proactive in an effort to prevent illness and continue the important work of the university,” Drake said. “I understand that our policy guidelines will cause measurable disruption, but the risk of not acting outweighs the inconvenience of these temporary measures.”
“The safety of our campus community is always our top priority,” he added. “Your cooperation and collaboration will help to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing matter.”
Furthermore, Ohio State is immediately suspending university-sponsored international travel through at least April 20. Domestically, the school is limiting university-sponsored to “business essential travel.”
Drake said students and faculty who are coming from Level 3 warning countries, which include China, Italy, Iran and South Korea), need to self-quarantine themselves for two weeks before returning to campus.
In terms of events, no new non-essential events will take place on campus through April 20.
“All guidelines are subject to change as emerging events warrant. I appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation during these changing times,” Drake said. “We will continue to monitor regularly and make adjustments as needed with the well-being of our university community top of mind.”
Ohio State has followed the route of other colleges such as Harvard, the University of Washington and Princeton in cancelling in-person classes.
Right now, 37 states in America have a case of the coronavirus, according to CNN.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of Star News Digital Media. If you have any tips, email Zachery at [email protected].
