YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University will not have a traditional week-long spring break in March, as was initially planned, because officials are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

YSU President Jim Tressel announced Friday that instead of the traditional spring break, the university’s spring semester calendar will include multiple wellness days.

The university’s decision to cancel traditional spring break was made at the recommendation of public health officials.

Wellness days will be Feb. 16, March 11 and 12, April 7, and April 23.

Although there will be no classes on these days, the university will be open and services will be available. The university also will not have classes on Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“We believe this approach to Spring Break is in the best interest of the physical and mental well-being of the entire YSU community,” Tressel said.

In the meantime, Tressel is asking students to remain vigilant in keeping to themselves to keep friends and family safe from COVID-19.

“Keep up the good work,” Tressel noted. “Our behavior away from campus over the next two months will have a tremendous impact on our ability to return for the Spring Semester on Jan. 11.”