ANN ARBOR, MI — Classes have been canceled at all University of Michigan campuses Thursday and Friday, March 12-13, and when they resume on Monday, March 16, it will be in alternative formats — not in person.

This will last through April 21, the last day of the current semester, university officials said.

Faculty and instructors should let students know how this transition will be handled for each of their classes, officials said in a statement, adding the two days of cancellations “give faculty time to transition to alternative formats.”

The provost’s offices on the Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn campuses are making arrangements in UM’s schools and colleges to facilitate the transitions, officials said.

Read more about coronavirus here.

UM is also canceling all events and events organized by others on campuses that would convene 100 people or more from Thursday until at least April 21. International travel for UM is suspended until at least April 21, and all UM education abroad programs are being altered or suspended, university officials said.

The university is remaining open for those who choose to remain on campus, and Michigan dining and UM housing will remain operational, officials said.

More information on a statement released by the university can be viewed here.

Universities across the country including Harvard, University of California Berkeley, Columbia and Ohio State University have begun to cancel in-person classes and transition to online classes.

UM is actively partnering with local, county and state public health officials and their own experts at Michigan Medicine on the evolving virus, spokeswoman Kim Broekhuizen said.

UM has placed travel restrictions for the entire countries of China, South Korea and Italy, and has discouraged both UM-related and personal travel to those countries.

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In a statement March 8, UM President Mark Schlissel said those who have traveled to China, South Korea, Italy or Iran should stay home and self-quarantine and monitor their health for 14 days.

UM Student Life is working to make alternative housing arrangements for students who need a place to self-quarantine. Self-quarantining includes staying home and separating yourself from other people and animals, checking your fever at least twice a day, not using public transportation and wearing a facemask when around other people.

More information on UM’s recommendations can be viewed here.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Tuesday, March 10, after the first two people in Michigan tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus. One of these people is being treated in the UM Health System, which includes the main hospital in Ann Arbor, as well as locations in Northville, Novi and Grand Rapids, though many of those locations specialize in things such as family medicine and cancer treatment.

Michigan coronavirus patient being treated at University of Michigan Health System

Gov. Whitmer declares state of emergency as first coronavirus cases confirmed in Michigan

One of the patients is an Oakland County woman with a recent history of international travel. The other is a Wayne County man who had a recent history of domestic travel, state officials said. Both are middle-aged.

No cases have been confirmed in Washtenaw County, the Washtenaw County Health Department confirmed Wednesday, March 11. Fifteen cases in the county have tested negative for the virus, officials said.

Grand Valley State University has also canceled study abroad trips, and the UM football team scrapped its planned spring trip after coach Jim Harbaugh asked his administration to choose a foreign locale.

Michigan study abroad programs affected as universities take precautions against coronavirus

UM sophomore Amber Renton started a petition Tuesday for UM to move classes online. In less than 24 hours, the petition had over 7,000 signatures.

Petition to move classes online due to coronavirus started by University of Michigan student

The Centers for Disease Control said symptoms of the virus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and some patients have reported a sore throat. They recommend staying away from those who are sick and to step up good hygiene practices.

Professional sports leagues including the NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS have begun limiting the people who can access locker rooms to only players and essential employees team and team facilities.

Report: NBA plans to close team locker rooms to media over coronavirus fears

PREVENTION

Much like how you would keep yourself safe from the flu, doctors suggest people use hand sanitizer and wash their hands regularly.

The CDC recommends people disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces (countertops, doorknobs, bathroom faucets) using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfectant wipes.