The onset of the novel coronavirus in Manitoba has led to a mass exodus of Providence University College.

After classes were canceled indefinitely on Monday due to COVID-19, President David Johnson says students began leaving for home.

“There are just 17 students left,” he says, “and most of them are international students who will have difficulty going home.”

Johnson says the few who remain will have until April 19th to find other accommodation as that is when their leases will be up.

Faculty too, have been asked to exit the school where possible. While a small number of staff are needed to maintain the facility’s general operations, Johnson says most people will be working at home for the foreseeable future.

Though the buildings are all but empty, classes will continue.

“All of the students will finish their semester by distance education in some form or another and it is up to the profs and the students as to what that looks like.”

Johnson adds that all graduation ceremonies have been postponed until next fall.