SU alerts students of spike in COVID-19 cases
SU alerts students of COVID-19 spike
As the first week of the spring 2021 semester at Syracuse University comes to a close, SU administration is pleading for students to act responsibly.
Three off-campus parties hosted by members of the Greek community resulted in at least 20 new COVID-19 infections, as stated in an email sent to students on Friday.
The Sigma Chi chapter at SU “has been placed on interim suspension for alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct, as well as public health directives,” a university spokesperson said in a statement.
“This news should serve as a reminder to all our students, including those in the Greek community, that behavior that puts the health of our community at risk will be taken seriously and met with swift and appropriate action,” the statement said.
The campus-wide email noted that those who hosted the gatherings violated New York state public law and that the city and county will be notified of these violations.
Urgent public health information, recent behavior jeopardizing our community: https://t.co/nqiYBrl8TF pic.twitter.com/h6rKXwhN5T
— SU Campus (@SUcampus) February 12, 2021
The on-campus COVID-19 testing center at the Dome on Friday had a table designated to collect saliva samples for members of Alpha Phi, Sigma Chi, Sigma Delta Tau, and Zeta Beta Tau chapters.
“The University will not tolerate behavior that puts any member of our campus community at risk,” Vice President for the Student Experience Robert Hradsky stated in the email.
There are currently 71 active cases within Central New York, a total which increased by 15 since Feb. 11.
As another weekend approaches, SU urges students in the email to consider “what’s at stake” moving forward: the possibility of returning to sporting events at the Dome and the continuation of in-person learning.
The Public Health Team at SU is urging students to continue monitoring for symptoms, to participate in weekly testing, and to contact the Barnes Center if experiencing symptoms.
is a News Lead Producer for The NewsHouse.
