University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) officials announced that the institution will offer online only instruction until Monday, March 30. There have been no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) identified among any campus faculty, students, or staff.
All faculty are directed to use Blackboard so the institution can continue to provide high-quality instruction. The institution plans to resume in-class instruction on Monday, March 30, 2020 and will continue to monitor any developments that surface.
All scheduled campus activities, including student programs, and athletic events are canceled until Monday, March 30. All university-related travel by employees or students is likewise suspended. Mid-terms will be rescheduled after face-to-face classes resume.
A potential case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified at Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff and a test has been sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for testing as a possible case of COVID-19. The case is being treated by the Arkansas Department of Health as presumed positive. The CDC test could be officially confirmed within three to four days.
Eleven nursing students participating in clinicals and two faculty members are believed to have had indirect contact with the patient who tested positive. Arkansas Department of Health Director Nate Smith says the university risk to faculty, staff and students is low, however, the institution will err on the side of caution and start online delivery of courses.
Any further updates will be posted at www.uapb.edu/coronavirus
