The University of Delaware will close all university residence halls through the end of the semester after four people connected to the university tested positive for coronavirus.

Students who previously arranged to stay on campus during spring break must vacate the residence halls by 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 17. All other residents must move out by 10 p.m. Sunday, March 22.

The university will arrange special accommodations for students who cannot return home because of international travel restrictions or serious personal reasons.

Students will receive a prorated refund for housing and dining fees at the end of the semester.

UD RESPONSE:University of Delaware suspends class and moves spring break after presumptive positive case of coronavirus in Newark

"Everyone wishes that the situation could be otherwise, but we believe this is the most responsible decision for everyone's well-being," said Dennis Assanis, university president, in an email to students.

UD suspended classes for the week on Wednesday, after the state announced that the first presumptive positive case of coronavirus involved a faculty member. The university moved spring break up to begin on Saturday, and will transition to online instruction on March 23.

On Thursday, three more cases of COVID-19 were announced in Delaware, involving two graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher at the university.

Shortly after, Gov. John Carney declared a state of emergency, which went into effect Friday morning.

No decisions have yet been made regarding graduation.

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.