BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh University announced Thursday that it will begin its spring semester remotely on Jan. 24 due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
The school plans to resume in-person classes a week later on Jan. 31.
When students do come back to campus, Lehigh will require them to complete a Lehigh-supplied COVID test upon arrival on campus.
Each student must test negative before participating in academic or social activities.
Students testing positive on arrival will be required to isolate immediately after testing.
Lehigh officials say in a written release that the goal is to limit the spread of the virus early in the semester to preserve the remainder of the academic year.
The Rev. James Greenfield, president of DeSales University, sent a video message to students Thursday saying classes would be held in person when the semester begins on Jan. 18.
Kutztown University also plans to begin the semester in person on Jan. 24.
Northampton Community College said spring semester classes will begin Jan. 18 as planned. However, many classes will be held online for the first two weeks of the semester, until Jan. 31, due to the continued rise in infections in the region.