In light of three recently confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Cuyahoga County, Ohio (by Cleveland), the Ohio State University has issued an update and some guidelines on its website "being proactive in an effort to prevent illness and continue the important work of the university," a release says.
To limit exposure, the school has decided to cease in-person classes and activities on the campus through March 30 and no new events will be scheduled through April 20; currently scheduled events should be reevaluated.
"We are suspending face-to-face instruction in lectures, discussion sections, seminars and other similar classroom settings and moving to virtual instruction, effective immediately and through at least Monday, March 30," reads the release from university president Michael V. Drake. "We are evaluating classroom experiences such as laboratory and performance classes, and the university will provide specific guidance this week. We will reevaluate these guidelines on an ongoing basis and share updates or modifications as more information becomes available."
The school also encourages students to engage in "appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures" while taking their virtual classes.
Faculty and staff will also be offered information about telecommuting options.
The school has also put the kibosh on international travel, saying, "Effective immediately and until further notice, all university-sponsored international travel is suspended. This includes new travel as well as any currently booked trips between now and April 20. We will reevaluate these guidelines and share updates as more information becomes available."
Personal travel to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea should be reported to [email protected] or wexnermedical.osu.edu/features/coronavirus. Students returning from those aforementioned Level 3 Warning countries are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor their symptoms.
