The University of New Hampshire in Durham will be transitioning to fully remote classes amid a "sustained rise in the number of positive COVID-19 cases within the Durham community," UNH President James W. Dean Jr. wrote in a message to students, faculty and staff on Thursday.

UNH will now transition from its "yellow" mode of operation to "orange," which carries heavier restrictions. As a result, all courses will transition to fully remote beginning Thursday at 6 p.m., the announcement read. Both the Manchester and law campuses remain in yellow mode.

Additionally, spectators will be prohibited from attending Friday's men's hockey game at Whittemore Center and all gatherings have been limited to no more than six people "with all appropriate public health recommendations in place, including physical distancing and face coverings," Dean wrote.

Seacoast Current logo
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Laboratories scheduled for Friday could run with full PPE, Dean wrote, adding that current data shows that "face-to-face classes are not spreading events."

The announcement also said that students living on campus are prohibited from visiting other on-campus halls or apartment buildings, and off-campus students are likewise prohibited from being in any on-campus residence hall or apartment building.

Here is an excerpt from Dean's message to the school community:

We are seeing the consequences of COVID fatigue and its impact on our ability to offer additional in-person opportunities. If the numbers continue to climb we will have to put additional measures in place. Please remain vigilant and help us slow the spread #unhtogether.

Spot a typo? Let us know.

In Pictures: What Education Looks Like Around the World During a Pandemic

More From Seacoast Current