In a statement it said it had updated its response after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand was moving to level four alert level.
All assessment deadlines would be revised to accommodate current disruption.
In 48 hours Otago’s campuses would be off-limits to everyone except those staff providing essential services.
Residential Colleges would remain operational as they were considered an essential service.
Colleges were prepared for this scenario and staff are on-hand to support residents.
University of Otago Vice-Chancellor, Professor Harlene Hayne said the community needed to prepare as well as possible to manage the weeks ahead.
“We are living in exceptional times, and I very much appreciate the resilience of our students and staff as we adapt to this changing situation. Please continue to look after each other.
"Be strong, stay calm and be kind
"The university will continue to take advice and direction from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and its own public health officials," Prof Hayne said.
Otago Polytechnic
In an email to staff, Otago Polytechnic deputy chief executive Associate Professor Megan Gibbons said polytechnic holidays would be brought forward to Thursday.
''Tertiary institutions like Otago Polytechnic must now close, though funding will continue to flow.''
It would move to a work-from-home model immediately.
''This is a suspension of face-to-face teaching, not a suspension of learning.
''The support functions of the organisation will continue to operate to support our core business, albeit from home.''
Staff were asked to prepare to work from home, and to keep a diary of who they came into close contact with while they did so.
Southern Institute of Technology
In an email sent to Southern Institute of Technology staff and students today, chief executive Penny Simmonds confirmed all SIT campuses and its childcare centre would close for the duration of the level four alert.
"We will continue to operate as much as we can remotely, including remote delivery of programmes, taking applications etc, but there will be no on campus work or delivery during the next four weeks starting from tomorrow, Tuesday March 24.
''I will forward further information as it comes out but please make plans to have everyone off site within the next 48 hours.''
The childcare centre will operate for the next 48 hours at reduced capacity to enable essential services parents to make alternative arrangements.
Management and essential IT staff will be taking the next 48 hours to make sure everyone is as set up as possible for the coming 4 weeks.
