The University of Alberta has suspended all in-person classes for today.
The university's campuses will remain open, and all other university business will carry on as normal.
The U of A made the decision in conjunction with the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge, which have also suspended in-person classes.The decision was made in consultation with, and with the support of, the minister of advanced education.
The university said it will continue to consult with public health officials, other post-secondary institutions and the ministry of advanced education, and provide an update on the situation no later than this coming Sunday, March 15.
"The safety of our university community is of the utmost importance for us, as we know it is for all parties involved in such decisions," said Andrew Sharman, vice-president of facilities and operations, in a note to university staff.
"While Alberta Health guidelines do not require the closure of schools, large research institutions are unique in their scale and diversity of experiences, and we have heard from many of you that you want us to fully assess the situation."
