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Staff Reports

East Texas private schools and colleges have temporary canceled classes and are taking precautions in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

Health officials have urged people for at least two weeks to avoid large gatherings. The virus, COVID-19, causes respiratory and other health problems.

University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler has extended its spring break, a time students are not attending classes, through March 20. Classes will move to online from March 23 to 29.

The college is encouraging students who live on campus to not return until March 29.

“Like you, we are concerned about the well-being of our students, faculty and staff in the face of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic,” a statement from the college said. “In light of the rapidly changing situation, UT Tyler is being proactive to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community.”

The college is telling students, faculty and staff who are sick not come to campus.

Homecoming activities and the East Texas Research Conference have been canceled. The Patriot Premiere campus visit event has been postponed and the university’s international travel is restricted.

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College has extended its spring break through March 20 and then all classes will be held online for at last one week.

Students can return to residence halls on March 22. College related air travel has been suspended for the remainder of the semester.

The steps were taken because “the overall health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and administrators are paramount,” said a statement from the college.

The college said it is cleaning and sanitizing campus buildings during the extended Spring Break.

College community members traveling internationally will be asked to complete a phone health screening survey before returning to campus.

Tyler Catholic Schools

The Diocese of Tyler school system extended spring break through March 20.

Administrators will assess the situation as things unfold and update the school community as decisions are made, a statement from the district said.

The school system believes that “dealing proactively with the issue of COVID-19 as families are returning from extended travel over Spring Break is the appropriate thing to do under these circumstances,” the statement said.

Brook Hill School

Brook Hill School is extending spring break and is suspending extracurricular activities through March 22.

Rod Fletcher, head of school, said the decision was made based on input from the school’s Student Health Advisory Committee.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and to best discern the situation and next steps, we believe that delaying school is a prudent decision,” Fletcher’s statement said.

The school also has restricted travel to areas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called high risk, which includes China, Japan, South Korea, Iran and Italy.

LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University in Longview canceled classes through March 20 and will hold all classes online from March 23 to April 3.

“For students who have been away for spring break, it is our strong recommendation that you do not return to campus,” the statement said.

Students, faculty and staff who are ill or suspect they have been exposed should not come to campus, the statement said.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches has extended its spring break through March 17. Classes will be offered online March 18 until April 6.

“We will closely monitor this dynamic situation and could possibly extend further the date for resuming in-person classes,” the college announced.

Those who is ill or believe they have been exposed to coronavirus cannot return to campus and should follow CDC guidelines for self-isolation, the statement said.

East Texas Christian Academy

Tyler-based East Texas Christian Academy said it is closing its facilities March 16 to 20.

The school has canceled extracurricular activities. However, students will have online academic instruction, a statement said.

Jarvis Christian College

Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins is postponing Founder’s and Homecoming activities set for next week.

The college also is extending spring break and asking students not to return to campus until March 23.

Students, faculty and staff should not return if they are sick, the statement said.

University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler

University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has extended its spring break until March 20.

“At this time, a determination has yet to be made regarding the format and delivery of courses following this extended break. Institutional leadership is currently exploring potential options,” the UT Health Science Center statement read.

Institutional officials, faculty and medical experts are monitoring and following recommendations from the CDC, World Health Organization and the Texas Department of State Health Services, according to the health science center.

Grace Community School

The school will be closed Monday and further information will be sent out Friday regarding the rest of next week, according to the school’s website.