Breaking News: SU confirms 20 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

“Given the close contact nature of residence hall living, this emerging cluster has the potential—very quickly—to impact a significant number of students,” Haynie stated in the email.

Due to this spike, the university is taking action to prevent additional spreading on campus. In-person dining will transition to grab-and-go service, students will no longer have access to lounges in DellPlain, Shaw and Booth halls and extra masks will be provided to those residents. All residents in these halls are required to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week until further notice.

Advertising sophomore, Sophie Lynch, said she is glad the university is requiring students to be tested more frequently as a precaution, but she is still concerned to see the spike in cases.

“Honestly, the rise in cases has kind of freaked me out, just considering that I thought the school was doing really well with everything then all of a sudden there’s a breakout in my own dorm,” Lynch said.

The email stated the most recent precautions will be rescinded once the outbreak is controlled. The university is urging students to continue wearing masks, getting tested and avoiding unsafe conditions in public places.