Due to threat of coronovirus, the U of M is cancelling in-person classes

University of Minnesota Campus
Photo credit (Getty Images / Pratik Goswami)

The University of Minnesota is cancelling all in-person classes through at least April 1st due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, a decision that is a first for the school.  The move is meant to minimize all group contact.  

RELATED: See here for our complete coronovirus coverage. 

The university is following some other schools nationally in such a move, including the University of Wisconsin.

So far, Minnesota has confirmed five cases of COVID-19 or coronavirus, and earlier on Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic.  The newest cases in Minnesota are in Olmsted and Ramsey counties. The state earlier this week set aside $21 million for a response to the virus.

“The significance of COVID 19 is that is it a new virus and we don’t have the usual tools,” said Kris Ehresmann, with the Minnesota Department of Health.

The state earlier this week set aside $21 million for a response to the virus.

This suspension of in-person classes will begin immediately at the Twin Cities campus, along with Duluth and Rochester.  All three are currently on spring break which will be extended until Wednesday, March 18th.  The Morris and Crookston suspension will start after this Friday's classes.  Spring break is scheduled at Morris and Crookston March 16th-20th.  

All students on all campuses will be taught virtually through at least Wednesday, April 1.  For classes that cannot be taught online, students will be contacted with further information by instructors. 

Beginning March 18, 2020, until at least April 1, 2020, all coursework on all five University of Minnesota campuses will be delivered online. Review President Gabel’s March 11 announcement for additional information: https://t.co/hrDZFvHKkH

— University of Minnesota (@UMNews) March 11, 2020

The school is encouraging students to stay home and continue classes online, but will continue to operate residence halls, dining services and other student services.  

A document shared from University President Joan Gabel goes on to say, "Due to COVID-19, we find ourselves responding to unique challenges that require innovative solutions. I recognize that our responsive actions, including those I’m announcing today, may raise questions for many of you. While we do not have all of the answers at this moment, please know that we are working around the clock to find answers and solutions."