CARBONDALE, IL — SIU officials have announced that spring break will be extended through March 22, and once classes resume March 23, classes will be offered in online or other alternative formats until further notice.

The decision is a part of the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

In a press release, officials say there has not been anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 on the Carbondale campus, but their main concern is the health and safety of the SIU community.

SIU joins the University of Illinois system, DePaul, Northwestern, and Illinois State to suspend classes due to coronavirus fears.