Del Mar College, as well as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Texas A&M-Kingsville, have extended their Spring Breaks until March 20.
"Although there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Corpus Christi or Nueces County at the time this message was drafted, many members of our community have been traveling during spring break, making our efforts to fully assess health risks more difficult," said A&M-CC president Kelly M. Miller in a statement. "As a result, we will be extending spring break for students through Friday, March 20, 2020."
The announcements were made Wednesday afternoon.
All three campuses said regularly scheduled classes, on-campus and face-to-face, are anticipated to resume Monday, March 23.
A&M-Kingsville president Mark A. Hussey said the measure is being taken in an effort to prioritize student health. Faculty and staff should return to campus as previously scheduled on March 16.
"This week, many of our students are traveling to places near and far for Spring Break," he said in a statement. "While there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in our community, we are committed to reducing possible exposure on our campus through social distancing measures that limit group settings.
Residence halls and food service will be available during the extended break at both Texas A&M-Univerity System campuses. Grab & Go dining options also will be available to A&M-CC students who don't want to eat in dining halls.
"We are in unchartered (sic) territory," Miller said. "And we will need to remain flexible to once again demonstrate this truly remarkable teamwork. . . . I know that we will continue that commitment, even in this difficult situation."
Neither students nor staff will be able to access any Del Mar College buildings next week, their statement reads. Key staff will be notified individually if they are expected to report to work.
Del Mar will use the time to continue disinfecting surfaces and sterilizing. Hand sanitizer dispensers also have been mounted at building entrances on both the east and west campuses entrances.