In response to Delaware's first presumptive positive case of coronavirus, the University of Delaware is suspending classes for the next two days and has moved spring break to begin Saturday, a school spokesperson said.

Originally, spring break was scheduled to begin March 28.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the university will transition to online instruction beginning March 23. Classes will remain online until further notice.

Students will still have the option of remaining in residence halls, and campus dining services will continue to operate.

State health officials announced the positive case on Wednesday afternoon. It involves a New Castle County man who is over 50 and is a faculty member at the university.

K-12 RESPONSE:How Delaware schools are responding to coronavirus fears

The man is not "severely ill and self-isolated at home as soon as symptoms appeared," officials said. Health officials said Wednesday they will not release any further information about the man.

Students, faculty and staff at UD who may have been exposed to the individual will be contacted and monitored for symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must still conduct confirmatory testing, officials said.

This morning, UD faculty were told to prepare for online-only classes should the need arise. Faculty were encouraged to make the switch already if they were able.

Earlier this month, the university evacuated students who were studying abroad in Rome.

The university is continuing to monitor the situation and will release additional updates in the coming days.

Also on Wednesday, Gov. John Carney about noon canceled a planned town hall at the Newark Senior Center that was to take place about 6 p.m. Wednesday night. And the university on Wednesday told the Delaware Photographic Society that it was closing buildings and they would have to cancel their annual photo show, which takes over Arsht Hall for two weekends.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on Wednesday.

This is a developing story.

Natalia Alamdari covers education for The News Journal. Have a story about schools to share? You can reach her at (302) 324-2312 or nalamdari@delawareonline.com.