KU extends spring break, Penn State moves to remote classes as coronavirus precautions
MAXATAWNY TWP., Berks County – Kutztown University’s spring break was extended a week, and Penn State Schuylkill’s classes will be online-only for the remainder of the spring semester, all as precautions tied to the coronavirus outbreak.
KU officials announced the extension at midday Wednesday via an email to the campus community. KU is midway through their regularly scheduled spring break, and were scheduled to restart classes on March 16.
Instead, classes will resume March 23, KU President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson said in a statement.
“In addition, we are cancelling all university-sponsored travel for faculty, staff and students until further notice,” Hawkinson wrote. “This includes, but is not limited to, professional development and non-essential business activities, including regional, state-wide, national and international travel.”
“The university will continue to monitor and plan for any new developments with the coronavirus in the days ahead as we work through the finer details of this issue,” Hawkinson added. “We remain committed foremost to our students’ and employees’ well-being and safety.”
Intercollegiate athletics will continue as planned, and other university events will be held on a case-by-case basis.
Penn State President Eric Barron announced Wednesday that, beginning March 16, all Penn State campuses will move to remote instruction.
“As you know, communities around the globe are facing unprecedented challenges as coronavirus continues to spread. It remains our goal to take the necessary, active steps to confront this public health threat and manage our risks,” Barron wrote. “In light of this situation, and in the best interests of the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and our local communities, Penn State has decided to move to remote learning for all classes beginning Monday, March 16, through Friday, April 3, with a plan to resume in-person classes on Monday, April 6, at the earliest.”
“While there are no known cases of coronavirus at University Park or Penn State’s campuses at this time, there are currently more than 1,000 cases throughout the United States, including in Pennsylvania, and we anticipate this figure will continue to grow,” Barron continued. ” The best mechanism for prevention based on advice from experts is social distancing, and unfortunately that is very difficult in a university setting.”
The schools join Bloomsburg University in Columbia County in adjusting their schedule as a precautionary measure to address the outbreak.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 16 presumed positive cases have been identified in the Commonwealth, primarily in Montgomery County and southeastern Pennsylvania. The impacted counties and their case totals are: Bucks (2); Delaware (1); Monroe (2); Montgomery (9); Philadelphia (1); and Wayne (1).
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