MANSFIELD — Michael Drake, president of The Ohio State University, has suspended in-person classes at all OSU campuses until March 30, citing the outbreak of coronavirus, (COVID-19).
“The announcement applies to all campuses,” said Ben Johnson, director of media and public relations at The Ohio State University.
“We continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other city, state, and federal agencies,” Drake said in an email.
On Monday, Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency following three verified cases of COVID-19 in Cuyahoga County.
According to WKSU radio, those diagnosed include a married couple who recently returned from a Nile River cruise and a man who attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference in Washington, D.C. Those cases are unrelated.
The three who tested positive, as well as six close contacts to the patients, have been quarantined at home.
“While there are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19, we know that there are at least three confirmed cases in the state of Ohio, and we expect that there will be more,” Drake said. “We are being proactive in an effort to repent illness and continue the important work of the university.”
Drake said Ohio State is suspending face-to-face instruction in lectures and discussion, seminars and other similar classroom settings. Instead, the university is moving to virtual instruction effective immediately through at least March 30.
Johnson said professors have access to an online learning system called Carmen, which allows group chats and other correspondence. Professors are encouraged to use this system, but subject matter is up to professors and not all classes will be the same, he said.
Drake said students may return to their permanent place of residence or return to campus, but are asked to practice social distancing (one meter, or three feet, according to National Public Radio). Enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures (hand washing, coughing into a tissue) will be actively encouraged.
Johnson said the email sent out Monday night applies to all campuses within The Ohio State University.
Dean Norman Jones was in a meeting Tuesday with other administrators planning how the Mansfield branch will handle the coronavirus after spring break is over, according to his office. Classes begin again March 16.
Administrators were unavailable for comment.
North Central State College is taking advantage of being on spring bring and will continue to work on the plan for next week when students return, Keith Stoner, executive director of marketing and public relations for the college said.
“We urge all students to make the choice that is best for their own personal situations,” Drake said.
Governor Mike DeWine declared Ohio in a state of emergency, largely to qualify the state for federal funding for purchase of health-related items to combat coronavirus.
Richland Public Health will convene a meeting of community stakeholders on Wednesday at 9 a.m. to further discuss the issue.
Other cancellations over concerns about the virus have been reported in the community, including:
- Richland Public Health has decided to cancel the scheduled March 24 AARP Senior Driver Safety Class.
“We are taken an extra measure of precaution, especially for our seniors, in canceling this class due to concerns with the coronavirus,” said course instructor Reed Richmond. “Future classes are being put on hold for now.”
Richmond said the AARP Safe Driver Course for anyone 50 and over is available online through AARP’s website.
- A Richland County polling location has changed due to concerns over coronavirus, according to local elections director Paulette Hankins.
Hankins said Secretary of State Frank LaRose has ordered the relocation of polling locations in retirement living or senior care facilities.
The request impacts a voting site in Perry Township. The old location was at County Meadow Care Center, 4910 Algire Road in Bellville. It’s been moved to the Perry Township Hall, 6236 Darlington N. Road in the village.
Hankins said each registered voter in Perry Township has been sent a postcard notice explaining the location change. A notice will be posted on the door of the former location.
