EDMONTON -- All University of Alberta in-person classes were cancelled on Friday, but the campus was open.

The decision came after the province advised against all large gatherings of people. The U of A has some classes with more than 250 people and is taking some time to determine how best to manage the spread of COVID-19.

University open. Classes temporarily suspended Friday, March 13. #UAlberta 1/3 pic.twitter.com/2HctY62MG9 — University of Alberta (@UAlberta) March 13, 2020

"This will allow for additional consultation with public health experts, government officials and other post-secondary institutions on appropriate next steps," a statement from the school read.

An update will be provided by Sunday, March 15.

According to an online statement from the university on Friday afternoon, in-person exams and classes are suspended through the weekend. At this point, they will be rescheduled or adjusted and all students will be accommodated.

All travel outside of Canada is suspended and the university is strongly recommending that students studying abroad make arrangements to return home.

All campus events with 250 people or more will be cancelled.

All services will continue to be available, including student residences, and staff will be at work.

The University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge are taking the same measures.

MacEwan University and NAIT have not cancelled any classes at this point but said they are monitoring the situation closely.