IOWA CITY, Iowa (KWWL) - The University of Iowa announced Wednesday it's committing to online classes for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

The university had previously planned for two weeks of online classes following this week's spring break. The U of I will delay that virtual instruction by one week, giving instructors more time to plan, and move to online classes starting March 30.

A Wednesday press release also says the university plans to close most of its residence and dining halls starting Thursday to keep students safe.

Please click here for the full announcement: https://t.co/ERPzjpJGF8 — University of Iowa (@uiowa) March 18, 2020

The university says it will work to accommodate students who cannot immediately move out of their on-campus housing.

The university also announced it's cancelling spring commencement ceremonies to "protect individuals most vulnerable to the threat."