College will test run online classes amid coronavirus threat

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A college in South Carolina will be holding all classes online this upcoming Thursday to test run whether the school can go all-digital if needed to combat the new coronavirus threat.

Officials at the College of Charleston said they want to see whether the school can function online should the spread of the virus causes it to close, news outlets reported Tuesday. There were no cases of coronavirus at the college as of Tuesday.

University president Andrew Hsu said the school must be prepared to “maintain the academic progress” of the students while also “ensuring the health and safety” of the campus.

A message sent to students said some exams, field work and lab work will still be conducted in person.

South Carolina now has nine people diagnosed with COVID-19. Two of the cases have been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while federal testing on the other seven are pending. Seven of the cases are in and around Camden, a city of about 7,200 people about 40 miles (65 kilometers) northeast of Columbia.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

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