NORFOLK - Northeast Community College said it is extending its winter break for students in response to the coronavirus.

On Thursday evening, President Leah Barrett posted on the school's website that the college is extending the break until March 22.

She encouraged students residing in campus housing to return to their permanent residences to minimize the potential risk of exposure to the virus.

Barrett said all college activities -- and those being held at any of NECC's locations -- will be suspended after Friday morning.  That includes this weekend's performances of War of the Worlds.

NECC said it continues to monitor how it can assist in minimizing the risk to its students and employees.