Fresno State extends online learning to protect against the COVID-19 omicron variant

Fresno State students will continue distance learning through Feb. 4, university President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said Tuesday.

Spring semester distance learning called to combat the surge of the coronavirus omicron variant was originally planned to end this week.

“Extending virtual instruction is not something I prefer, and I realize that there are different opinions on this within our campus community,” Jiménez-Sandoval said in a letter to the campus community. “Yet, based on the data and feedback from our health care providers and trusted guidance from the Fresno County Department of Public Health, I feel confident that this decision is necessary to keep our Bulldog family safe.”

Classes that have been approved for in-person learning will continue meeting in person.

The university campus, offices and campus resources will remain open.

Fresno State started the semester on Jan. 20 distance learning. Originally, distance learning was only supposed to last through Jan. 28.

The decision to do virtual learning in the face of omicron variant is one many other colleges across California have had to make.

Throughout the month of January, the central San Joaquin Valley has seen a continual rise of COVID-19 cases.

The record-breaking surge has pushed Fresno County to more than 185,000 total cases to date, while Friday’s case reports pushed the Valley to more than 400,000.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, students who come on campus are required to wear a mask. The college provides surgical and KN95 masks for free for students and employees who need masks.

Students are also required to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to have their booster shot.

The campus is offering free vaccines and boosters to students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, Jan. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 27.