The University of Connecticut (UConn) has placed more than 540 students in five dorms under quarantine since Wednesday due to increased COVID-19 cases both on and off campus.
Wednesday’s cases involved 13 students living on campus, 12 off campus, as well as one employee.
On Tuesday, UConn recorded 34 new cases — the university’s highest number so far. University spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said in a press release that Tuesday was “UConn’s largest single day of reported positive cases since we began testing in August” and “obviously cause for concern.”
In response, the University is placing five residence halls under medical quarantine. pic.twitter.com/LYaZzpAZ39
— UConn (@UConn) November 10, 2020
Students living in these halls must follow quarantine protocols. They will be tested, participate in take-out dining, and attend online classes. Testing will remain available to all students on weekdays at the university’s field house.
Like many schools in the state, UConn plans to close residence halls for the winter break. This will prevent students from going home over Thanksgiving break and potentially returning to the campus with the virus.
Dean of Students Eleanor Daugherty assured that students will receive guidance on how to quarantine at home if the quarantine period extends beyond November 20, when the residence halls close for winter recess. She added, “Students who are unable to return home for quarantine will be accommodated through [Student Health and Wellness].”
After weeks of declining cases, UConn is now recording a surge in numbers, as several other schools throughout the state report a new wave of infections.