Utah Schools, Universities Close, Move Classes Online

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gov. 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.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Consistent with the CES guidelines issued last night, Brigham Young University has made the following decisions. Classes on March 13, 16 & 17 are canceled. All courses at BYU & its Salt Lake Center, will resume March 18 through remote instruction.

— BYU (@BYU) March 12, 2020

BYU encourages students to consider leaving campus and returning home to finish winter semester through remote coursework. We recognize individual circumstances may not allow this. Services and on-campus housing will continue to be available for those who choose to remain.

— BYU (@BYU) March 12, 2020

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.

COVID-19 letter to parents from Davis School District pic.twitter.com/rhsvzbhULb

— Davis County Health (@DavisCountyHlth) March 12, 2020

 

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

For more information, please visit https://t.co/Txe2Yv6zm4 pic.twitter.com/XwXUzx3Ui7

— DixieStateUniversity (@DixieState) March 12, 2020

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.

Update on COVID-19 https://t.co/vD4iOsKJUw

— Granite School Dist. (@GraniteSchools) March 12, 2020

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.

More from @MurraySchoolsUT on their decision to close schools: pic.twitter.com/BScx9oWVae

— Shara Park (@KSLSharaPark) March 12, 2020

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

At the direction of @GovHerbert, all SLCC courses will move to online delivery on March 23 through the end of the semester (May 7) to allow for increased social distancing in light of #COVID19. Please visit our SLCC Safe site for details and updates. https://t.co/6fNKphM9n3 pic.twitter.com/AEQpysa5sH

— Salt Lake CC (@SaltLakeCC) March 12, 2020

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.

Snow College responds to Utah COVID-19 Community Task Force Recommendations.

Follow the link for important information about the remainder of spring semester https://t.co/gUvxPXsKWD pic.twitter.com/Sfv4lUpC1k

— Snow College (@SnowCollege) March 12, 2020

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.

NOTICE: Utah State University will move academic courses online on Wednesday, March 18. Classes on Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17 will be cancelled to allow faculty members time to move their classes into the online learning environment. pic.twitter.com/nDxjb4WWul

— Utah State University (@USUAggies) March 12, 2020

Utah Valley University is moving classes online beginning March 23.

Wolverines, UVU now at Code Yellow Alert for COVID-19.
Effective Monday, March 23, most courses will be held online.
Please go to https://t.co/Bu0EZ2oidG for the latest details. pic.twitter.com/AsvXZkCGKp

— UVU (@UVU) March 12, 2020

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.

 

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Coronavirus Resources

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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

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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.