Dave Mistich Published

WVU Suspends Classes, Moves Courses Online Due To Coronavirus Threat

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This is a developing story and may be updated.

West Virginia University has announced it will soon suspend in-person classes due to the threat of coronavirus.

In an announcement issued late Tuesday, WVU officials say they are suspending classes during the week of March 23rd through the 27th. Beginning March 30th, class instruction will be delivered online. 

University-related travel — both internationally and domestically — has also been suspended, but officials say the Morgantown campus will remain open.

Students wishing to stay on campus during next week’s spring break and beyond are being asked to register with the university.

In a letter to the university community, WVU president Gordon Gee said the “highest priority” is the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff and the community.

“An administrative team, along with local and state health officials, has been working diligently to identify ways to keep our campuses safe, as well as sharing precautionary measures individuals could take,” Gee wrote. “Although there are currently no reported cases in West Virginia, the University takes seriously its responsibility to protect our campuses during this uncertain time.”

As of Tuesday, state health officials have reported no cases of the coronavirus. 

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says five residents have been tested for COVID-19 — three were negative and the other two are pending results.