UD reports 15 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hours

DAYTON — UPDATE @ (8/22) 9:45 p.m.:

Fifteen new COVID-19 cases have been reported at the University of Dayton in the last day, bringing the total cases to 38.

All fifteen cases are students and contact tracing has begun, according to the university website.

UPDATE @ 4:42 p.m.:

The University of Dayton has announced an additional 12 coronavirus cases on campus in its latest update. All of the new cases are students, according to the university’s website.

INITIAL REPORT:

The University of Dayton President is issuing a stern warning to students after the university has raised its coronavirus level for campus following several small clusters of the virus emerging on campus.

“Let me be clear: students whose behavior violated our safety measures have moved us one step closer to studying remotely for the fall semester,” President Eric Spina said in an email. “More stringent measures are necessary to slow the spread across campus and reduce opportunity for additional clusters to emerge.”

>> Coronavirus: UD reports positive cases as students return; ongoing testing program to be announced

The university has three new cases since Wednesday and have 16 active cases on campus, according to the university. The three new cases reported since Wednesday are students.

Spina announced immediate measures by the university to curb the spread:

• Students who do not fully cooperate with contact tracers are putting the entire campus at risk and will be sent home immediately.
• Informal, non-University-sanctioned social gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be prohibited.
• Student organizations may meet in person only as approved. Organizations that violate this requirement and/or safety measures will be suspended and their activities prohibited at least through the end of the semester.
• All students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors, must comply with physical distancing and wear face coverings when they are outside with others, including socializing on porches.

Students who have tested positive for the virus have returned home to isolate and those students identified as close contacts have entered 14-day quarantine periods.

Spina added that the university needs everyone’s help and cooperation with contract tracers.

“We know you want to be here. We want you here, but we cannot allow those who are careless to jeopardize the safety of others and your college experience. We need your help to remain in community throughout this semester,” Spina told students.

Cox Media Group