Due to the threat of COVID-19, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is requiring that all employees able to work from home plan to do so starting March 23. The announcement includes all student workers.

“Our objective, first and foremost, is the safety of our university community, safety of our loved ones and safety of the broader community we call home,” Chancellor Ronnie Green said in a universitywide email sent March 18. “We know that social distancing provides the best opportunity to flatten the curve on the spread of COVID-19 and lessen the impact of this disease — both in numbers and the impact on our health care system.”

Green also expressed gratitude to university employees who continue to serve essential roles in-person on campus.

VIDEO: Chancellor calls for work-from-home plans for all employees

The university announced March 12 that it would be canceling classes the week of March 16 and transitioning to remote teaching starting March 30. The announcement also included encouragement for students living on campus to return to a place of permanent residence to increase advantages of social distancing.

The university, including residence halls and dining facilities, remain open to serve students who cannot vacate campus housing. Some campus services have limited hours. And, the university is advising the entire campus community to follow social distancing measures and hygiene protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Click the video above to watch Green’s entire message to campus.

A complete overview of the university’s ongoing response to the 2019 novel coronavirus is available on the COVID-19 website.