Czech Republic shuts down classes, study abroad students remain

The Czech Republic government announced on March 10 that campuses will no longer continue in person classes effective Wednesday, March 11 because of the coronavirus. 

Classes will be scheduled for a later date in the semester. Until further notice, students’ classes will be held online. 

Anglo-American University [AAU], which currently houses Kent State students, advised its students to continue to check their emails for further updates, according to a press release. 

Mackenzie Markham, sophomore marketing major who is studying at AAU, said due to classes being cancelled students are in a state of panic because AAU is not equipped to handle online classes. 

“We’re slightly worried about how we’re going to get our credits and how we’re going to finish on time,” Markham said.

AAU received a letter on Feb. 28 from the Prague Sanitary regarding the coronavirus. The press release stated “Based on the decision of the Prague Sanitary Office, appropriate actions will be taken.” 

Anyone returning from Italy, Iran, China, South Korea and Singapore must report to Dean of Students Ana Hernandez Blackstad. 

Markham said Hernandez Blackstad has been getting students to the nearest hospital to be tested, but most of the students have been in their dorms under self-quarantine.

According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the Czech Republic has 40 confirmed cases and no deaths. 

Contact Gershon Harrell at [email protected].