Gwynedd Mercy University has announced that it will close its campuses effective 4:00 p.m. today (March 11th) through March 31st to help prevent the potential spread of the Coronavirus. Its main campus is in Lower Gwynedd and it has satellite campuses in Philadelphia and Bensalem.

Thus far, there are no known presumptive or confirmed cases of Coronavirus its campuses. According to the announcement the decision to close was made due to the proximity of the campus to a location with potential exposure, and the presence of confirmed cases in Montgomery County.

“We are closing all University campus locations out of an abundance of caution,” said University president Deanne H. D’Emilio, JD. “The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and all persons affiliated with our school are of the utmost importance to us, and based on the best available information, we believe this step is in the best interest of all concerned.”

Residential students are being instructed to return home, and all university activities and events will be canceled or postponed. Course instruction for on-campus students will be moved online, and the University’s online programs will continue as scheduled. Students engaged in internships, clinicals, field experiences, and student teaching assignments will continue to report to their assigned site as long as the host institution is open for business.

The University also will suspend all University-sponsored domestic and international travel through May 1.

Many of the University’s employees will be working from home to ensure current and prospective students and other University stakeholders can access the services and support they need.

“We will continue to monitor the situation carefully, and keep the campus community updated via the University portal and website,” said D’Emilio.

Photo: Gwynedd Mercy University