SIX colleges of further and higher education are to suspend all face-to-face learning from today.
The decision, the FE sector said, was driven by the overriding need to help protect the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.
The suspension will last until further notice.
It follows similar measures put in place by Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University.
From Monday, delivery will continue remotely including the use of digital learning "in so far as this is possible".
Colleges will remain open to staff only. This will remain under review. Where practical, staff have been told to work remotely.
"The absence of students and the size of campuses will ensure that we can all comply with the need to remain socially distant," a statement read.
"We understand and deeply regret the unavoidable disruption this will cause to the lives of our learners and our staff. We are giving as much notice as possible to allow time for students, parents, carers and the business community to make the necessary arrangements."
Each college is continuing to work through the ramifications and practicalities of the decision at a local level.
"We are hugely proud of the way in which the entire further education college community is responding to this dynamic and deeply challenging situation. Our employees' unwavering commitment to our learners, and to each other, is as admirable as it is unsurprising," the statement continued.
"The colleges will continue to provide staff and students with updates, signposting to official government and public health advice, as well as whatever reassurances we can in the midst of so much uncertainty and unease."
