BUCKHANNON — West Virginia Wesleyan College has canceled in-person classes for the rest of the semester, ended the athletic season and will transition students to online classes over concerns about the Covid-19 “coronavirus.”

In a statement from Dr. Joel Thierstein, president of the college, the college said it reached the decision in concert with local health officials and the WVWC board of trustees. Face-to-face classroom operations will be suspended at the end of the day Thursday and students were asked to return home by Sunday, March 15 at 5 p.m.

West Virginia University announced Tuesday it would be moving to online classes and canceling in-person classes the rest of the semester at all of its campuses.

Upshur County Schools Superintendent Dr. Sara Stankus issued a statement Thursday afternoon saying, “As a public school system, I do not have the authority just to close our school system doors and have no students report. We are receiving constant communication from the West Virginia Department of Education and public health organizations regarding the virus and the steps that we are to take. We will not be closing the schools unless the state directs us to do so as the legislature requires that we complete 180 days of instruction.”

However, Stankus said Upshur County Schools have begun to put alternative plans in place.

Superintendents are expected to gather in Charleston today for a briefing from the DHHR.

For WVWC students unable to move out by March 15 at 5 p.m., other accommodations will be made and food service will be provided. The release from the college states that housing will be consolidated to allow for closure of residence halls.

“Students should be prepared for the eventuality that we may need to implement reduced or alternate dining service as we move forward,” the release stated.

Room fees will not be refunded but the college is evaluating the refunding of board fees, according to the release.

No classes will be held today, March 13 through March 17 to allow a transition period to the online platform. On March 18, online classes will begin and continue through the end of the semester. Commencement exercises on May 2 have not been canceled at this time, according to the release.

For students in laboratory, performance classes, student teaching, clinical rotations and internships, more information will be provided to them.

The college also ended its participation in all intercollegiate athletic competition including NCAA and Mountain East athletic competition effective March 12.

May term, summer international travel trips are canceled and all non-essential college-related travel is suspended.

The college will remain operational and essential employees will be required to report to work, according to the statement.

The campus is also open to prospective students and admissions office staff will be available to provide campus tours, answer questions and assist students with the campus tours.

“Wesleyan’s decisions continue to be made out of an abundance of care and concern for the health and well-being of our community and the broader world,” Thierstein said in the release. “I have watched the Wesleyan community come together around this issue over the past several weeks as we have dealt with the disruption caused by this health crisis.”

Dr. Joseph Reed, medical director for the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department, spoke Thursday at Upshur County Commission about the virus.

“Wash your hands, keep your hands away from your face, stay away from sick people as best as you can,” he said. “Be cognizant of your friends and neighbors who may need special help and be prepared to do what you can to help them.”

Reed added, “I think in the long run we are going to see this in a sense as a trial of emergency preparedness.”