AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The University of Texas at Austin says it will extend spring break by one week in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, the university says fans will not be able to attend home athletics events through March 22.
University President Greg Fenves made the announcement Wednesday evening. "COVID-19 represents a serious public health concern. UT is committed to the well-being of our community members and slowing the spread of the coronavirus while also supporting our students’ educational goals and the needs of staff and faculty members and students during these challenging times," Fenves wrote.
Students are set to leave campus this week, with classes now set to resume on Monday, March 30.
The statement says the university will remain open, and the additional week of spring break will provide UT faculty and staff members time to prepare to increase “social distancing” on campus.
Athletics Director Chris Del Conte, in a separate statement, cited the coronavirus concerns in barring fans from home athletics events. "We regret that our fans will not be able to attend our events to support our teams, but this decision was made with the health and well-being of our campus community and fans as the top priority," Del Conte wrote.
This is a developing story and will be updated.