Colleges and universities in California, New York, and Washington—the states with the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases—will not be holding classes and exams in person for the remainder of the winter quarter.
In Washington state, the decision came after a University of Washington (UW) staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the disease the new coronavirus causes. The patient is currently in self-isolation at home and the building the person worked in has been shut down for disinfection.
On March 6, the university said that starting Monday, classes and finals on all its three campuses—Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma—will be held online until March 20, when the winter quarter ends. UW campuses will remain open however, for those who rely on its services including hospitals and clinics, dining services, residence halls, library services, and recreation and athletics facilities.
“Where online instruction takes place, students will be expected to attend classes online at their regularly scheduled time, though we will continue to encourage instructors to be flexible with attendance and exam policies for any students who are ill,” the announcement read. It added that if remote instruction is not possible, instructors are allowed to grade their students based on the first nine weeks of the quarter.
COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year and has spread to over 100 countries around the world. There is no vaccine or proven treatment, though many patients have gotten better through rest and medical care.
As of Sunday evening, 34 states and the U.S. capitol have reported more than 500 cases to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC. The agency has also received reports of 19 deaths, with all but one taking place in Washington state.
Experts recommend frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, regularly cleaning surfaces and objects, and not touching one’s face with unwashed hands.
People who become ill should stay at home and contact their doctor or health authorities. Depending on their symptoms, they may be asked to stay isolated at home. If symptoms are severe or in some other cases, patients will be quarantined at hospitals.