The University of Missouri announced Thursday the majority of its in-person classes will switch to remote instruction after the school's Thanksgiving break.
In an email Chancellor and UM System President Mun Choi sent out Thursday afternoon, he wrote the main reason for the change was the surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the broader community, and the spike in hospitalizations.
As of Thursday, there were more than 1,100 active cases in Boone County, and nearly 150 people hospitalized with COVID-19: an all-time high for the county.
Unlike when the university shifted to online classes in March, campus itself will not be closing, but the chancellor wrote, "Deans, department chairs and supervisors will work with individuals, including student employees, to determine if any changes in working arrangements or duties are needed."
Per the email, residence halls and dining facilities will remain open for students who are unable to return home. All other students are advised to, "Pack belongings they would need for an extended absence when leaving for the holidays."
Nevertheless, the university said students should still plan on returning for in-person instruction in January.
