Morris College extends spring break due to coronavirus

Morris College is adding itself to the list of schools, colleges and universities asking students to stay home in light of the spreading coronavirus.

Spring break for the Sumter-based campus will be extended for the week of March 16-23, according to a news release. All campus events are canceled through March 23, including all athletic events.

Residence halls will reopen Monday, March 23 at 8 a.m., and classes are planned to resume at 10 a.m.

Staff and faculty, however, are required to report to work during this time.

There have so far been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sumter. Of the 10 people who have tested positive in South Carolina, seven are in Camden.

Most cases of the new coronavirus have experienced mild symptoms, though the elderly and those with preexisting conditions are more susceptible to complications.

The virus has an incubation period between two and 14 days. If you have experienced flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your primary care physician. It is not recommended to immediately go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, at that might expose others to the virus.