TORRINGTON – Eastern Wyoming College administrators have decided to close campuses in Torrington and Douglas in response to the ongoing concerns over the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

In a release issued Thursday, EWC officials said the college will be closed until April 6. Administration had previously made the decision to extend spring break and close the campuses to visitors, but to have staff at work during that time.

Now, college employees will work from home while making themselves available by phone or email. The college administration is also working on plans for students still residing in residence halls to move out.

Classes will resume Monday, via online or other format. Instructors will communicate with students on specific plans for individual classes, the release said.

In addition, the annual Black and Gold Bash, originally scheduled for April 18, has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

“I am committed to keeping our students and employees safe during this uncertain time and am dedicated to doing all we can to complete the semester,” EWC President Dr. Lesley Travers was quoted in the release.

The EWC bookstore has also developed a plan to assist students with access to textbooks. The store will offer free shipping for online orders, access to a maximum of seven electronic books, or ebooks, and free access to the Lumen Learning course portal.

Further, the store has extended the no-penalty non-return period and is offering free shipping labels to facilitate return of materials. Information on the various offers is available at ewcstore.com.