(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College is closing residence halls due to the threat of COVID-19.

According to a release from the college, the closure means that students will utilize “an online learning environment for the rest of the semester.”

The release calls the move an “unprecedented step,” with the decision made due to continued spread of the pandemic which has led to “mounting restrictions from federal, state, and local officials.”

The closure of the residence halls was set for 8:00 Sunday night, March 22.