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"This past weekend we continued to experience a rise of COVID-19," university officials explained. "Rates of infection have increased to the point where we must elevate our COVID Alert Level to Orange. This will prompt changes in the way we operate for the remainder of the semester."
This alert comes after the university had tested students from Global Village and University Commons on October 30 upon indication of a potential presence of the virus through their wastewaters. The campus had been on an enhanced yellow from Halloween onwards due to "indicators that parallel what has occurred at other colleges and universities that have led to complete closure with students sent home," as stated by university staff.
"The virus’s prevalence continues to elevate on campus, in the surrounding area, and across the nation," university officials explained. "Monroe County set new COVID-19 infection records over the last three consecutive days. The largest portion of new infections being reported yesterday were people in their 20s."
Under an orange alert, all non-instructional gatherings are now limited to 10 people and all intercollegiate athletic events will remain suspended until further notice. Common residential areas, such as lounges and kitchens, are now reduced to 25% capacity if not already closed and all outdoor events are reduced to 33% capacity with participants having to social distance and wear masks at all times.
"We can see the finish line of the semester," university officials explained. "It is imperative that we all buckle down these last few weeks. Please adhere to the three W’s — Wear a mask, watch your distance, and wash your hands. There are no more effective tools than those W’s!"
If the amount of recent cases spikes, the university will have no choice but to issue a red alert and depopulate the campus wherever possible. All classes would then be moved to an online format within a seven-day period from the announcement.