The University was notified late last night by the Albany County Department of Health (ACDOH) of a confirmed case of... Posted by University at Albany, SUNY on Thursday, March 12, 2020

The President of the University at Albany announced that March 12 classes on campus are suspended for the day due to a confirmed case of coronavirus in one of their community members.

In a letter to the campus community, President Havidán Rodríguez said they found out late on Wednesday night that a member of the university who resides off campus was confirmed to have COVID-19. Albany County officials announced it was a male student in his early 20s.

The infected person did have ties to the business office as the building will be completely closed for cleaning today.

“Also, as a precaution, we are closing the business building today for cleaning. Faculty and staff who work in this building are advised to work from home today," Rodríguez said.

This suspension of classes happened after the university had already announced that as of March 23, all classes would be moved online until further notice. Many other Upstate New York colleges and universities are also moving their classes online after upcoming spring breaks.

Albany County officials confirmed a second positive case of COVID-19 as a woman in her 30s who lives in Guilderland. Both the student and the woman are at home and not hospitalized.

“We’re alarmed because they didn’t travel anywhere," Dan McCoy, Albany County Executive said. He added, “Don’t panic. We’re going to get through this.”

There have been 216 confirmed cases of coronavirus in New York State. Governor Cuomo has declared a state of emergency in New York state. The coronavirus has claimed the lives of 38 Americans, over 4,700 worldwide.

Read more

‘Coronavirus’ conference in NY canceled due to coronavirus (report)

Coronavirus: What are Central NY, Upstate NY colleges doing about classes? (updated list)

Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled over coronavirus worries