Coronavirus: UC Irvine Cancels In-Person Classes

IRVINE, CA —UC Irvine will remain open for business, but significant changes are in the works on campus. Remote interaction and instruction are the order of the day, coming weeks, and possibly months as classrooms close, and online teaching will open, the school's chancellor said.

A recent new coronavirus scare struck the school this week, as one student self-quarantined after possibly contracting the virus through person to person contact. Test results for that student came back negative for the COVID-19 virus, UCI reported on Wednesday.

Though results came with a collective sigh of relief, meanwhile, the University has canceled all gatherings of over 100 people as they dive into "social distancing" as a method of avoiding the spread of the virus.

Distancing minimizes students and faculty members from gathering in groups, including classrooms, dining halls, and residential buildings.

Anteaters' athletic events have also closed to the public until further notice.
On-campus students should go to their permanent home, if possible, according to a statement from the UCI chancellor.

"Social distancing," a public health concept designed to reduce contact between anyone who is carrying a contagious disease, is in practice at most California state universities.

As far as academic instruction for the remainder of the year, students will be able to take final exams remotely as the university transitions into a "remote learning mode" for the Spring quarter," and possibly beyond, Chancellor Howard Gillman said.

Students are encouraged to go home and stay there during the Spring quarter, he said. All non-essential University sponsored travel is suspended, and departments should not require visiting scholars or graduate students to attend in-person meetings on campus.

As for the Anteaters teams, the stadium seats will be empty as athletes compete.
"UCI Athletics events and competitions will continue as closed events," Gillman said. In keeping with the social distancing rules, there will be no spectators allowed at these events.

UCI ESports has closed their arena to gamers, in alignment with the campus efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "We plan on re-opening in the summer," a spokesperson said.

The Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs was expected to release a statement, Wednesday, regarding student services and housing.

While there are no confirmed cases of the virus on campus, concern still remains. In response, the University established a UCI Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Center.

Students, staff, faculty, parents, and community partners may call 949-824-9918 or email covid19@uci.edu to connect directly for more information.

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