Spring Break cancelled, classes adjust to virus concerns

The Ohio State University | Photo by Tatyana Woodall

By: Tatyana Woodall

Cancel those last-minute plans - this year’s spring break is no vacation. 

Early Friday morning, Ohio State announced plans to replace what would be a usual week-long respite from classes - with two ‘instructional breaks,’ taking place on Feb. 9 and March 31. 

The decision comes on the back of a recent Lantern update which reported that from Aug.31 through Sept 8, more than 1,800 Ohio State students tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. 

Now up to a campus positivity rate of 9 percent, the university-wide email cites that it hopes to reduce travel-related risk by preventing students from traveling home - or in some cases, abroad. 

In the statement, Bruce McPheron, Executive Vice President and Provost, said that although this year will be a mix of blended teaching, the goal is to keep supporting the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes plan. 

While spring semester classes will still begin Jan.11, in order to prevent more infections prior to in-person sessions, courses will only be offered online during the first week. 

Commencement is scheduled to take place May 9, in a format to be determined.