Rice University has canceled classes for the week of March 9 due to coronavirus concerns.

Rice University recently asked a small group of Rice employees and students to self-quarantine because of a Rice employee's possible exposure to the coronavirus while on overseas travel.

In a statement to the Rice community, the university canceled classes, prohibited on-campus public events larger than 100 people through April 30, and continued the international travel ban. Research operations and athletic events will continue.

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

While COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions recommended to prevent respiratory illnesses are the same:


• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can't wash your hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, use the elbow of your sleeve. Don’t use your hands to cover coughs and sneezes.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick and keep children home when they are sick.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Get a flu shot. (Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it is flu season.)