Coronavirus concerns prompt American University move to online classes after spring break

American University shifting to online classes after break

American University is the first DC school to publicly switch to online classes amid the coronavirus outbreak that has the international community moving quickly to contain it.

WASHINGTON - American University announced on Tuesday that it will move its classes to online platforms after an extended spring break amid concerns about the international outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The school is also extending spring break through March 16 and March 17.

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Online classes will begin March 18 and continue through Friday, April 3.

Officials at the school say conventional, in-person classes are scheduled to resume on April 6.

The campus will remain open, officials noted in a statement.

According to school officials, the risk to the campus community remains low.

However, cases have been identified in D.C., Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Northern Virginia.

Library and Learning Resources Center, American University, Washington D.C.. (Photo by: Robert Knopes/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Local schools closely monitor developments in coronavirus outbreak

Schools across the region are closely monitoring developments in the coronavirus outbreak. Some schools have decided to close in order to curb potential exposure. FOX 5's Bob Barnard reports.

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