As Coronavirus Spreads, SHU Switching To Online-Only Classes

FAIRFIELD, CT — Sacred Heart University will switch to online-only classes for the coming weeks in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

"We believe this is the best way to mitigate the risk of an outbreak on campus," the university said in a statement posted online Monday.

Classes will be suspended Tuesday and will resume online Wednesday through March 29, with the exception of clinical placements and labs, which will continue as long as they are believed to be safe. There are no known or suspected cases of coronavirus on Sacred Heart's campus.

Students can remain on campus during the online learning period, and residence halls, dining halls and recreation areas will stay open. Sacred Heart offices will also remain open. All major campus events through March 29 are canceled.

International or nonessential business travel will not be allowed for people affiliated with the university, and any exceptions must be approved by senior college leadership.

Additionally, the school will conduct enhanced cleaning of doorknobs, faucets and flushers.

"We are taking these measures in the interest of the health of our community," the statement said.

In late February, Sacred Heart asked 17 students to return to the U.S. and self-isolate for 14 days after participating in a study abroad program in Rome. The school also canceled a spring break choir trip to the Italian city.

There are 607 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the U.S. as of Monday afternoon, with 22 deaths, according to John Hopkins University, which is monitoring data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other sources.

Connecticut had its first confirmed presumptive positive case of the coronavirus Sunday. A Wilton resident between the ages of 40 and 50 is being treated at Danbury Hospital, Gov. Ned Lamont said. The person likely was infected during a trip to California. No new information about the patient was released Monday, but officials said that people who were in contact are being notified.

A second presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Connecticut was reported Monday evening.

A New York State resident who is an employee at Danbury Hospital also tested positive for the disease as well as a community physician from New York who made rounds at Bridgeport Hospital.