Syracuse University officials are optimistic they have contained a coronavirus cluster spread during an off-campus party last weekend. Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie said at this point, 65 students have tested positive for coronavirus, and dozens of others are monitoring symptoms in quarantine.
"Essentially, putting a wall around individuals involved in this particular event, so we can mitigate and stop the spread of the virus from person to person,” Haynie said.
If the number reaches 100, according to state guidelines, SU will have to resort to remote learning. The school is taking action to prevent this kind of thing from happening again.
Up to now, when campus police came upon a party or event that didn’t follow state or university coronavirus guidelines, the strategy was educate. Haynie said at this point in the semester, the university is past that.
"Everyone should understand and know well, and internalized the set of behaviors appropriate to be here and be together during a global health crisis,” Haynie said.
SU’s Department of Public Safety will enhance patrols in university neighborhoods, and those found violating rules, will be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review and appropriate action. Students who live in or lease any off-campus apartment where there’s a party or large gathering, also face potential sanctions. Haynie said the health of the community depends on off-campus students following the rules.
"We need to take an action just to put an end to any future behavior of the kind we saw last week that is a threat not only to our campus community, but our central New York community,” Haynie said.
