RALEIGH, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University announced plans Thursday to resume in-person classes in August and end fall semester early as a precaution against spreading COVID-19.

What You Need To Know

  • Both chancellors notified students via email about the update

  • Both campuses plan to skip fall break to eliminate travel around that time

  • There will be more details announced 

The chancellors of the two universities sent emails to students, faculty, and staff outlining the schedule. Both campuses will start August 10, skip fall break, and complete final exams before Thanksgiving to end the semester early. The measures are meant to eliminate travel related to fall break and guard against a possible second wave of coronavirus cases starting in late fall.

“Many public health experts believe our nation and our state could face a second wave of COVID-19 sometime in late fall or early winter,” N.C. State Chancellor Randy Woodson said in his email regarding the Raleigh campus. “This guidance led us to start and finish the semester early in an effort to try and stay ahead of a potential second wave.”

He said more details would be announced later.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz outlined measures including smaller classes, more time between classes, and one-way entrances and exits to buildings.

Last month, the leader of North Carolina’s public university system announced his intention for its 17 campuses to resume in-person classes in the fall, but left details up to individual chancellors and promised to accommodate those with health conditions who aren’t comfortable returning to campus.

The state’s court system also announced Thursday that it will extend deadlines for many civil and criminal cases to July 31. Chief Justice Cheri Beasley also ordered that no jury trials be held until August at the earliest.

Statewide, health officials announced nearly 21,000 positive cases as of Thursday, an increase of about 800 from the previous day. The state has about 700 virus deaths and nearly 600 hospitalizations.

Meanwhile, Tyson Foods reported 570 cases of COVID-19 at a poultry processing complex in Wilkesboro. Tyson said in a news release that it tested more than 2,000 staff and contractors and most testing positive didn’t show symptoms. Tyson said it’s increasing testing, health care options and protective gear, including face masks and physical barriers.