Penn State Cancels On-Campus Classes For 2 Weeks Over Coronavirus

PENNSYLVANIA — All Penn State University courses will take place off-campus for at least two weeks in the face of mounting concerns over the spread of coronavirus, the school announced Wednesday.

The school said that classes will be held via remote learning from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3. Classes will resume "at the earliest" on campuses on Monday, April 6. Campus will remain open for faculty and staff.

That's a different approach from other schools in Pennsylvania, like West Chester University, which have closed their campuses to students for the entire spring semester.

>>Pennsylvania Coronavirus Case Count Up To 15

"This action represents a significant interruption of normal business practice for our community, not only from a logistical standpoint, but also in the ways we embrace a sense of community, teach our classes, gather together, create new knowledge and share in our differences and similarities," Penn State President Eric Barron said in a statement. "However, we know that community infection is a primary mode of transmission and we need to do all we can to protect those around us, including those who may be more at risk or vulnerable to this virus."

Barron noted that there no known cases of coronavirus at any of Penn State's campuses.

Residence halls and campus dining facilities will also be closed during this remote-learning period. Students who need to retrieve belongings should contact campus housing to arrange temporary access.

The school has also canceled all on-campus student-run events and activities through April 6.

There are now 15 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania.

For the latest on coronavirus in Pennsylvania: PA Coronavirus Updates