CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (WHDH) - Harvard University announced Tuesday that it will be transitioning to virtual instruction for graduate and undergraduate classes due to escalating coronavirus concerns.
The Cambridge-based university says it hopes to have the transition completed by Monday, March 23.
“The decision to move to virtual instruction was not made lightly. The goal of these changes is to minimize the need to gather in large groups and spend prolonged time in close proximity with each other in spaces such as classrooms, dining halls, and residential buildings,” school leaders said.
Students have also been told not to return from spring break due to possible health risks to the community.
Those living on campus will be required to move out by Sunday, March 15 at 5 p.m., the school said in email to students.
Students who need to remain in their dorms and homes will receive instruction remotely with limited on-campus activities and interactions.
Non-essential meetings and events of 25 people or more on campus are also being discouraged.
Harvard called its decision “difficult” but necessary. Officials say the univiersity will return to normal operations as soon as possible.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Amherst College are also moving classes online.
This is a developing news story; stay with 7NEWS for updates online and on-air.
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