A SC university will hold all classes online Thursday to test coronavirus response
South Carolina’s oldest university will be holding all classes online this Thursday to prepare the school’s ability to go all-digital, should it close for coronavirus, officials said.
There are no cases of coronavirus at the College of Charleston, and officials say this is merely a test to make sure the university can function online should the spread of coronavirus cause it to close, according to a message sent to students.
“I apologize for any inconvenience this exercise may cause, but we must be prepared to maintain the academic progress of our students while also ensuring the health and safety of our campus community,” the university president Andrew Hsu said in a message to students.
There will be some exceptions to the temporary online-only decision, the message said. Some exams, field work and lab work will still be conducted in person.
State health officials have said there is no need, as of right now, to close down government offices or cancel public gatherings, according to a previous article from The State.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 11:26 AM.