AKRON, Ohio — The University of Akron has announced it will be moving to all-remote instruction beginning Monday, Nov. 16.
This will include lecture courses, lab courses, and in-person exams and tests, the university announced in a series of tweets. The decision comes following Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's address to the state in which he announced he will be issuing orders to further restrict gatherings and activities as COVID-19 infections continue to rise.
COVID-19 IN OHIO: reports 5,874 new cases in last 24 hours
Students should continue to follow existing site-specific protocols for field placements, clinicals and student teaching assignments, a follow-up tweet read. Further action from DeWine could come as early as next week, as he stated he is prepared to take drastic measures to stop the spread of the virus.
"Reducing the number of students on campuses has made a difference in keeping cases low and campuses safer," the governor said. "But, unless we dramatically slow the community spread of the virus, our higher education institutions may have to remain virtual when school opens in January."
During the statewide address, DeWine announced that if the number of positive coronavirus cases does not decrease, he will be forced to close Ohio's restaurants, bars and fitness centers.