COVID-19 Spikes as College Students ‘Party’ Ignoring School Policy
Colleges and universities across the U.S. have opened their doors for the Fall semester. But as students stray from school social-distancing policies, COVID-19 cases are spiking.
One of the latest examples of this occurred recently at the University of Central Florida. As reported by Matt Lupoli of WESH.com, the local NBC affiliate in Central Florida.
After the Labor Day weekend, several online videos surfaced. The videos show very large groups of UCF students at what appears to be a pool party.
Clearly seen in the video is a total lack of social distancing, face masks or any steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
video: WESH.com
The gatherings and behavior are at odds with university guidance and the school is taking the matter very seriously.
In an emergency order, put into effect last week, the school stated that, “The university reserves the right to address off-campus conduct when it is specifically prohibited by law or the Rules of Conduct, may have an adverse impact on the health, safety or welfare of the university community or any members thereof, or where such conduct may adversely affect the operations of the university.”
This indicates that the school may take action to punish some of these students.
In a number of similar instances and other schools across the country, many students have been suspended for entire semesters for such behavior. What’s more, these suspensions have come at quite a cost as tuitions are not being refunded.
The latest tally shows that UCF has confirmed 829 positive cases since the outbreak started.
UCF also reported that it has placed the students in three of its sororities under quarantine.
The 2-week quarantine is in effect for the 79 women of Zeta Tau Alpha, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Alpha Epsilon Phi.
While not all of the women tested positive, the quarantine aims to isolate the virus and allow the university to remain open.
To help police the situation, the university has established a hotline to allow students to anonymously report other students who are not complying with the emergency guidelines.
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