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UTSA moves classes online, extends Spring Break to prep campus for coronavirus

By Matthew Quick
Published  March 11, 2020 4:33pm CDT
Coronavirus
FOX 7 Austin

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of Texas at San Antonio will be extending students' Spring Break and move classes to its online platform due to coronavirus concerns. 

In an update from the school, UTSA has decided to extend its Spring Break an extra week in order to continue to prepare its campuses against the threat of coronavirus while still being able to focus on the academic progress of students. 

The school has also announced that when classes resume on March 23, they will be conducted on an online platform rather than through in-person sessions. The school has ensured that instruction will continue through at least April 15, and in that time students are encouraged to stay home if possible. Students who live on campus will be allowed to return.

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The University has also warned students who may be traveling to be aware of any medical symptoms that may develop and to reach out for medical consulting upon returning from their trips. Students should also avoid returning to campus if they feel sick. Students who feel sick may contact UTSA Student Health Servies or San Antonio Metro Health. 

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The U.S.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned the American public to take a potential outbreak of the disease seriously.  

Social distancing will also be practiced at all public events involving 50 or more people. The University will evaluate each event with a consideration for health impact. Organizers are being encouraged to consider postponing, canceling or conducting the events virtually where appropriate.

"For the past several weeks, my leadership team has worked diligently to minimize the impact of the coronavirus on our campuses. As more cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed across the country and here in Texas, we are taking additional social distancing measures to mitigate community spread," said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy.