Coronavirus: more European countries shutter university systems

More European countries have announced shutdowns of their university systems in attempts to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Poland, Hungary and Ukraine were among the countries to order temporary closures on 11 March, following earlier decisions by Italy – the most-affected country on the continent – and Greece.

Poland said that universities would be shut from 16 March until the end of the month, in an announcement that also covers schools, museums and cinemas. The country has confirmed 26 cases of Covid-19 so far.

Hungary, which declared a state of emergency, said that its closure of universities would come into effect immediately and last until further notice. Large public gatherings have also been banned, as has inbound travel from Italy, South Korea, China and Iran for non-Hungarians. The country has reported 13 cases so far.

Ukraine said that its closure of universities would start on 12 March and run until 3 April, with schools and mass gatherings also being shut down. The country has reported only one positive case so far.

Moldova, which has reported three cases so far, has also announced a closure of its universities for two weeks from 12 March.

Previously, Greece said that all higher education institutions in the country would shut for 14 days from 11 March. Italy’s 10-day closure of campuses continues until 15 March.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com