The University of Texas will suspend in-person classes for the first two weeks of the spring semester, President Jay Hartzell announced Jan. 4.

The announcement comes as 1 in 3 COVID-19 tests in Central Austin are positive and follows a similar announcement from Texas State University.

Students were supposed to return to classes in person Jan. 18. Instead, classes will be begin virtually on that date. Tentatively, classes will resume in person Jan. 31, according to the release.

Faculty will have the choice to hold in-person classes between Jan. 18 and Jan. 28 as long as they also provide a virtual option, according to the release. The campus will remain open, including the dining halls.

University officials are requesting that students and faculty receive a viral test within 72 hours prior to returning to campus; however, it is only required for those living in university-owned housing, according to a university spokesperson.

According to the release, students and teachers are asked to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding quarantining after testing positive, including the latest update, which shortened the waiting period to five days in some cases. The message encourages students and faculty to wear masks but does not require them.