Trending

Coronavirus: Duke University orders weeklong quarantine for undergraduates

Coronavirus: Duke University orders weeklong quarantine for undergraduates Duke University said a quarantine was necessary because of students attending recruitment parties. (Harvey Meston/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke University officials issued a quarantine order that will require all undergraduates to quarantine for a week due to a coronavirus outbreak.

>> Read more trending news

The quarantine, which will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, mandates that all students stay-in-place until March 21, WRAL reported. University officials said the most recent COVID-19 outbreak on campus was caused by students who attended recruitment parties.

Students could face suspension or dismissal for “flagrant or repeat violators,” according to The Associated Press.

“This action is necessary to contain the rapidly escalating number of COVID cases among Duke undergraduates, which is principally driven by students attending recruitment parties for selective living groups,” the university said in a statement. “Over the past week more than 180 students are in isolation for a positive COVID-19 test, and an additional 200 students are in quarantine as a result of contact tracing. This is by far the largest one-week number of positive tests and quarantines since the start of the pandemic,.”

University officials said they would provide a policy update on Thursday, WRAL reported.

More coronavirus pandemic coverage:

>> Coronavirus vaccines: CDC separates myths from facts

>> Coronavirus: Should we be wearing two masks when we go out in public?

>> Coronavirus: How long between exposure to the virus and the start of symptoms?

>> What are your chances of coming into contact with someone who has COVID-19? This tool will tell you

>> Wash your masks: How to clean a cloth face covering

>> Fact check: Will masks lower the oxygen level, raise the carbon dioxide in your blood?

>> How to not let coronavirus pandemic fatigue set in, battle back if it does


0