MONTREAL -- Several Montreal universities have cancelled classes Friday in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Thursday, McGill University confirmed that classes, exams and large on-campus gatherings would be suspended until at least Monday so school officials could decide what to do in response to the Quebec government stating large congregations of people should be avoided.

The announcement also prompted the cancellation and postponement of numerous events across the Island of Montreal.

Concordia University is also cancelling classes until Monday. The university says it will, however, remain open and other services will still be offered.

As of Monday, only classes with more than 250 students will be cancelled. Officials add all conferences and events until April 15 are also cancelled.

At Montreal's French universities, UQAM and Université de Montréal, all classes and gatherings of more than 250 people have been cancelled, pending further notice.

The Université de Sherbrooke à Longueuil states it is simply monitoring the situation.

As of Friday morning, Montreal's CEGEPS are open.