By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com

After a confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on campus, Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick announced the historically Black institution would cease in-person classes for the duration of the Spring 2020 semester.

“We have consulted with medical and public-health experts and regrettably, our University leadership has arrived at the conclusion that a return to campus for face-to-face instruction will not be possible for the Spring 2020 semester,” Frederick wrote in a letter sent to the AFRO.

The University president included in the outlined precautions, closing residence halls effective March 22 at 11: 59 p.m.; banning students “who left for destinations other than home for spring break” and canceling all commencement exercises and class reunions.

Howard University will only hold online classes for the duration of the semester (Courtesy Photo)

“This is our best plan of action in order to ensure that this global pandemic does not proliferate the campus community. We have concerns of worsening supply chain disruptions that will decrease our ability to provide services to the students on campus. Additional details will be shared regarding departures from the residence halls, online coursework and other considerations,” the University President wrote.

He explained that these measures were also taken after a guest, who attended the Howard University Charter Day Dinner on March 7, tested positive for coronavirus. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking all March 7 dinner participants to monitor and report to your doctor if you begin exhibiting flu-like symptoms. The DC Department of Health is investigating the case, locating and counseling relevant contacts in accordance with the latest national guidance and protocols. We are working closely with the department and have been advised that the chances of contracting the virus are low,” Frederick wrote.

President Frederick thanked the Howard University community during this time, empathically appealing as an alumnus of the institution.

“I appreciate the continuous patience and understanding that our community has exhibited during this evolving national crisis. As an alumnus myself, I am deeply saddened that our academic season has been disrupted and I apologize for the inconvenience that these changes have caused. However, the safety of our community is our utmost priority and each hard decision to de-densify the campus is being implemented in an effort to reduce our community’s risk to exposure,” he wrote.