HOUGHTON — Michigan Technological University will extend online classes through the end of the spring semester and is working on a “creative solution” to spring commencement, President Richard Koubek said in a release Monday.

The announcement came after new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), recommending that no in-person events of 50 or more people take place for the next eight weeks. Tech’s graduation is scheduled for May 2, inside the eight-week window.

Last week, Michigan Tech had announced it would move to online instruction through April 17.

Tech is also affected by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s directive closing all dine-in facilities, museums, recreational facilities and other venues in the state. Michigan Tech’s Dining Services transitioned to solely grab-and-go meals starting at 3 p.m. Monday.

At the same time, Tech closed the Student Development Complex, the Van Pelt and Opie Library, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Gates Tennis Center and the Keweenaw Commons seating area in the Memorial Union Building. The locations will remain closed through March 30.

“Because this is a rapidly changing situation and as we learn more about COVID-19, we need to prepare for a range of possibilities,” President Rick Koubek said in a statement. “Currently, campus is open and residential and dining functions remain operational, though limited. We encourage all students to reassess their own on-campus living situation in light of the developments over the past 24 hours.”

As of Sunday night, there were 53 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan, all downstate. As of 4 p.m. Monday afternoon, the university did not know of any students under quarantine for COVID-19 concerns.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is recommending strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

Learn about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Stay at home when you are sick. Individuals at risk of severe illness should consider staying at home to avoid others who are sick.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, cell phones and light switches.

Communicate and reinforce best practices for washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes.

Be sure to maintain a supply of medications, food, and other essentials in your house.

Cancel or postpone large gatherings, conferences and sporting events (e.g. events with over 100 people).

Reduce in-person gatherings and activities, especially for organizations with individuals at risk of severe illness. Consider offering video or audio of events.

Consider tele-learning or tele-work opportunities, where feasible.

Limit non-essential work travel.

If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently, and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Limit visitors at hospitals and other facilities to only those who are absolutely necessary and implement screening of visitors for temperature and respiratory symptoms.