DAYTON, Ohio — A recent “sharp increase” in the number of positive COVID-19 tests among undergraduate students has prompted the University of Dayton to extend remote learning by at least two weeks, the university announced Thursday.
According to WHIO, there have been 148 new confirmed cases since Aug. 26. There are 380 current active cases and 410 cumulative cases reported since June 23, according to the university’s COVID-19 dashboard.
“We are praying for their quick recovery. The University also is taking additional steps to stem the spread of the virus and give the campus community its best chance to remain on campus this semester,” President Eric Spina and William Fischer, vice president for student development, said in a video message to students.
Effective immediately, the campus status is elevated to “4 — Red — WARNING.” All in-person undergraduate courses will continue remotely for at least another two weeks, until Sept. 14.
Starting Friday, these additional safety measures will go into effect:
- All dining options on campus will move to grab-and-go. With indoor dining closed, students are asked to eat in their rooms or outside while observing physical distancing of 6 feet.
- No visitors, even from within the University community, are allowed in dorm rooms, suites or houses.
- To help protect against spread in the greater Dayton community, officials ask students not leave campus unless they have an approved educational reason such as a co-op, internship or student teaching assignment; outside employment; or for essentials like groceries or medications.
- Officials ask students not to go to bars or restaurants. Use delivery services like GrubHub or DoorDash whenever possible.
- Saturday shuttle service is suspended until further notice.
- Undergraduate commuter students also should continue to stay off campus and learn remotely.
"Please continue to be vigilant. Assume that the virus is anywhere and everywhere. Protect yourself, and protect others, at all times. Continue to follow safety protocols. And, if you’re sick, have tested positive, or are a close contact, please go home to isolate or quarantine, if you can," the statement read.
University officials will continue to monitor the state of the virus on campus and said they will be prepared to begin rolling back any new restrictions and allow in-person instruction "when the situation has improved substantively."
Students can also anonymously report violations of the "Flyer COVID-19 Agreement" and other safety measures through a new online form.
WHIO Newscenter 7 is a media partner of WCPO 9 News.
