Century Tower at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. [Photo courtesy: UF]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says all state universities will continue online classes only through the remainder of the spring semester.
In a press conference on Tuesday, the governor said he recommended to the board of governors that universities in Florida should be going to remote learning for the remainder of the school year.
"The goal of that is that the students not stay congregated on campus but return home," he said. "We think that will be safer for everybody."
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Shortly afterward, the Florida Board of Governors -- which oversees the State University System -- updated its website, saying all state universities are extending remote instruction through the end of the semester.
The announcement comes as four students at the University of Florida tested positive for COVID-19. DeSantis said one of those students had been traveling internationally.
DeSantis also announced that all bars and nightclubs in the state would close for 30 days, starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The state will also require all restaurants to screen their employees and operate at 50% capacity. For more information, click here.
IF YOU FEEL SICK
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
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