Niagara College has announced it will close all on-campus classes beginning Monday, March 16.

The college is one of many educational institutions to close its doors due to the threat of COVID-19, also referred to as novel coronavirus.

“Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, Niagara College has suspended all on-campus classes beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice, while staff and faculty work to develop plans for alternative program delivery,” said a college media release Friday.

“Effective immediately, all on campus events, social and sporting activities are cancelled. College campuses and services will remain open at this time, and online courses will continue. Placements, co-ops and clinicals will continue for the time being, but students should contact their program area for further information. At this time, all faculty and staff should continue to report to work.”

The decision comes just two days after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.