EL PASO, Texas – The University of Texas at El Paso announced Friday morning it is suspending on-campus dining services and closing the Student Recreation Center as COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the region.

The school says most instruction is already being held online and that only about 15% of classes have in-person elements. Instructors have been asked to decide what class work has to be done in person in order for students to meet graduation requirements and that students will be notified if there are changes to their individual curriculum.

The school had already decided to teach all classes virtually after the Thanksgiving holiday through the end of the semester. It also canceled this weekend’s football game against North Texas.

“Let’s continue to stay safe and protect each other. Miners take care of Miners,” said university president Heather Wilson to students in a letter.

This comes at the same time El Paso County ordered a two-week shutdown of non-essential activities.

More than 1,000 new cases have been confirmed in the region every day over the last week.

As a result, the county instituted a daily curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and violators could face a $500 fine if caught violating the measure.

Businesses including tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, gyms, and in-person dining at restaurants have all been closed.

Polling locations and all election related activities though were deemed essential and will continue.