MSU elevates travel restrictions, considers move to online classes

Mississippi State University on Wednesday announced it is increasing travel restrictions and evaluating a possible switch to online classes in preparation for the spread of COVID-19, more commonly referred to as the coronavirus.

The announcement from MSU comes ahead of the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the first positive case of the virus in Forrest County shortly before press time Wednesday evening.

According to a press release from the university, the restrictions will impact study abroad programs, as MSU is canceling all international travel, including summer study abroad programs.

The university said new requests for international travel will be approved only in “exceptional circumstances.”

MSU employees and students are also encouraged to avoid all non-essential out-of-state travel, considering cancellation or simply not scheduling new travel.

Additionally, MSU is also evaluating a move to online course instruction, with the university encouraging faculty to begin preparations for the switch if it is warranted in the coming days and weeks.

The MSU Office of Public Affairs will make additional announcements regarding operations on Friday, saying new resources will also be made available online.

What's more, MSU has also launched an email account where general questions about the coronavirus and the university policies regarding the outbreak can be directed: custserv@opa. msstate.edu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of press time Wednesday there were 939 total cases confirmed in the U.S., with 29 deaths.