CORONAVIRUS

Utah Schools, Universities Close, Move Classes Online

Mar 12, 2020, 10:48 AM | Updated: Mar 16, 2020, 2:22 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, UtahGov. Gary Herbert on Thursday announced that the Utah Department of Health will work with public school districts on a case-by-case basis to make decisions on whether or not to close amid COVID-19 concerns.

Some Utah higher learning institutions chose to move classes online. Like the public school districts, universities and colleges are making those determinations on a case-by-case basis.

This list will be updated as we gather information.

Current Closures

Alpine School District sent an email to parents and students announcing an adjusted schedule for Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17. The schedule for these two days will be a minimal day schedule. The purpose of the schedule adjustment is to train teachers for a potential need to provide online learning for students in the event of school closures.

Brigham Young University has canceled classes on March 13, 16 and 17. All courses in Provo and at the Salt Lake Center will resume March 18 through remote instruction.

University officials have encouraged students to consider leaving campus and returning home to finish the winter semester through remote coursework.

Canyons School District officials said all field trips and mass gatherings that involve more than 100 people — including school events and dances, assemblies, performances, and employee professional development —are canceled until further notice. In the event of school closures, we are working on plans for students to access learning opportunities.

Davis School District officials said district assemblies and activities are canceled along with all UHSAA activities.

 

Dixie State University is moving all classes online starting March 23.

Granite School District is asking parents, students, and staff to follow state recommendations. Out of state travel is canceled. Mass gatherings and sports activities are also canceled. School is

not closed at this time.

Murray School District will be closed until further notice beginning March 13. “This morning we became aware of potential direct contact exposure to COVID-19 within the District. Those students and teachers have not exhibited signs or symptoms associated with COVID-19. However because we are concerned about health and safety of our students and staff, we are exercising an abundance of caution.”

All extracurricular activities are also canceled.

Salt Lake Community College courses will move to online courses on March 23 through the end of the semester.

Snow College will hold regular classes through March 20 then move to online instruction for the rest of the semester beginning April 1. Classes on March 30 and 31 will be canceled.

Tooele School District has canceled all events and practices until March 27. “This includes games, practices, plays, etc. This also includes all CTE CTSO competitions (TSA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, FFA, and FCCLA).”

University of Utah will shift to online instruction beginning March 18 for the rest of the spring semester. Classes are canceled on March 16 and 17. University housing and food service will remain open for the rest of the semester. Students are asked to stay home after spring break.

“Our opportunities and our technology has grown so much that the school is able to cancel those classes in person and still be able to have those classes because of the resources we have through technology,” said Dan Haycock, masters of legal studies student at S.J. Quinney College of Law. “I think it’s a good idea more along the lines of not that we’re doing it out of panic or anything like that, but more like a preventative measure.”

“It’s been spring break so I’ve been at home, but (there’s been) a lot of talk about not having school which is kind of crazy. But it just goes all online, so it’s going to be kind of hard to do hip hop online,” said Ashley Arnson, an undergraduate student.

There has been no word on graduation.

Utah Catholic Schools: All Catholic places of worship and religious education programs will close beginning March 13 through March 31. Schools will begin remote instruction on March 16.

Utah State University canceled classes from Friday, March 13, to Tuesday, March 17. Classes will be moved online and all events and non-essential travel are also canceled.

On Monday university officials encouraged students to leave on-campus housing and return home. The Aggie Recreation Center, USU Fieldhouse and other recreational facilities will be closed to public beginning Tuesday.

Utah Valley University is moving classes online beginning March 23.

Weber State University is moving to online education starting March 18. Classes are canceled March 13-17. Residence Halls and dining services will remain open.

 


Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus

Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

  • Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

A syringe lies next to vials of COVID-19 booster vaccines at an inoculation station in Jackson, Mis...

Devi Shastri, AP Health Writer

An Idaho health department isn’t allowed to give COVID-19 vaccines anymore

A regional public health department in Idaho is no longer providing COVID-19 vaccines to residents in six counties after a narrow decision by its board.

1 month ago

At-Home COVID-19 Test kits are displayed at a drug store in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Monday, Aug. 26, 2...

AMANDA SEITZ, Associated Press

US is mailing out COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

The U.S. government reopened the program, allowing any household to order at-home COVID nasal swab kits through the website.

2 months ago

YouTube ads can play even when your screen is paused now, and the YouTube logo can be seen on a sma...

Ramishah Maruf, CNN

YouTube ads can play even when your screen is paused now

The Google-owned platform confirmed Thursday that it has “widely rolled out Pause ads to all advertisers.”

3 months ago

FILE - This undated, colorized electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Instit...

Emma Benson

‘You don’t want to wait’: Doctors urge Utahns get updated COVID-19 vaccine

Respiratory virus season is fast approaching, which means an uptick in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases. But there are vaccines that can protect you against all three of these diseases, including a new COVID-19 vaccine.

3 months ago

Noah Lyles, of the United States, rests on the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 20...

Eddie Pells and Pat Graham, AP Sports Writers

COVID-stricken Noah Lyles finishes 3rd in 200 meters won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo

Noah Lyles lost the Olympic 200 meters Thursday, falling to Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, then being tended to by medics who carted him off the track in a wheelchair. Later, wearing a mask as he spoke with reporters, Lyles said he had COVID.

4 months ago

University of Utah's Long COVID clinic, which opened in 2021. (KSL TV)...

Brianna Chavez

More than 3,000 patients treated at University of Utah Long COVID Clinic since 2021, cases ‘still around’

In March 2020 Crystal Pederson tested positive for COVID-19. Months after she questioned why she wasn't feeling any better, until she was treated at University of Utah's Long COVID Clinic.

5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

Choosing the Right Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: A Trusted Name in Utah’s Home Appliance Industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Utah Schools, Universities Close, Move Classes Online