Howard University Postpones the Start of the Spring Semester Due to an Increase in COVID Cases

The start of the spring semester at Howard University has been postponed due to an increase in coronavirus cases.

The university announced that it will begin in-person classes on January 18 rather than the previously scheduled date of January 10. Administrative duties will begin on January 3rd.

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Students who return to classes will be required to show proof of a negative coronavirus test four days prior to their arrival, Howard said in a statement Monday.

All faculty, staff, and students must receive a COVID-19 booster by January 31 if eligible, or within 30 days of becoming eligible.

The most recent weekly positivity rate at the university was 19 percent, the highest figure seen during the pandemic.

Accreditation and licensure requirements will be communicated to those enrolled in professional programs by their respective schools.

“At that rate, we would not have enough beds to quarantine positive students living in the residence halls, if students returned on the originally scheduled start date for the spring semester,” the university’s statement read.