Coronavirus Update: Metropolitan State University Of Denver Implements Remote Learning

DENVER (CBS4) - Metropolitan State University of Denver is implementing remote learning and teaching as a response to coronavirus. As of Wednesday afternoon, there are 33 cases in Colorado.

While there are no known cases at MSU Denver, the university's president told media Wednesday its health clinic is still open and has tests if they need to administer one.

The remote teaching and learning will be fully implemented by Monday, March 30. Most classes will not be held on campus after that date and likely for the remainder of the spring semester.

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Testing for the transition will continue for the rest of this week and through spring break.

The email sent to the MSU Denver community includes this statement from MSU Pres. Janine Davidson: We are continually monitoring this situation and preparing to adjust our work day and work rules as appropriate. We are also testing our infrastructure and systems to be sure that we are able to successfully initiate a campuswide work-from-home directive. At this specific point in time, we are not prepared to initiate broad work-from-home guidelines. Individuals with unique circumstances should work with their supervisors to address their specific concerns.

Starting Friday, any meeting of 150 people or more will be canceled. That includes MSU's open house event scheduled for this weekend. Future events like commencement are still being evaluated by MSU leadership.

Davidson hosted a packed town hall Wednesday to update students on the changes.

"We're not at the worst case scenario but we have hit a couple of those milestones and that's why we wanted to meet today," she said.

While MSU said it couldn't put a timeline on how long the changes would be in place, Davidson said it's possible more could be on the way.

"Every day we wake up and the ball has moved again and so with the folks here at MSU Denver, every day at 8 o'clock, we're having a call to say what's happened overnight."

Students on work study programs were thrilled to hear they would still be getting paid.

Davidson reminded them, the campus isn't closed. If an order comes to close the campus, students on work study will be paid for the hours they would have worked.

Earlier on Wednesday, three of the four University of Colorado campuses announced they are moving all classes online because of coronavirus concerns.

Additional Information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

• Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home if you're sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
• We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency-- like a large snowstorm-- and have a plan for your family. Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
• Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.