Lehigh University is reporting 22 new cases of COVID-19 on and off campus in the last day, causing the school to clamp down on campus activity, including in-person learning.
As of Friday, 250 students -- who have been identified as close contacts to known or suspected cases -- were in quarantine, according to an alert from the university. They must quarantine for 14 days, even if they test negative for the virus, per university policy.
“Timely contact tracing, follow-up of cases and the isolation and quarantining of students are being deployed, as well as rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols,” the message states. “Given this increase in cases, we are taking a series of steps to further mitigate the risk of spreading the virus on our campus and in the South Bethlehem community.”
Earlier this week, Lehigh announced six more cases -- two on-campus and four off -- of the disease caused by the coronavirus, bringing the total to 13. The university halted all sports practices and training Sept. 30 because so many athletes were identified as close contacts.
Lehigh on Friday announced a roll back of campus activity as well as expanded testing for students, faculty and staff. The changes will remain in effect until at least Oct. 16.
Lehigh opened its fall academic semester Aug. 24, with hybrid in-person and online classes. The university has about 1,223 students living on campus — the majority freshman — and about 1,500 living off-campus in the Southside. The school is maintaining a COVID-19 Dashboard to keep the campus community and families up to date on its coronavirus situation.
Starting Monday, all undergraduate classes will move online and most graduate classes will as well. All student dining will also shift to takeout Monday. Meals will be delivered to students in quarantine and isolation housing.
Sports remain suspended and the gym is closed. The campus libraries will close Saturday and building access to facilities other than dorms will be limited.
On-campus and off-campus gatherings both indoors and outdoors are limited to a maximum of five people. Students should limit their personal interactions to those in their living quarters, according to the university. On-campus students should minimize trips off campus.
Remote work for staff and faculty is encouraged where possible. Research can continue but research that involves undergrads requires revised safety plans.
Lehigh plans to expand its coronavirus surveillance testing program in hopes of catching asymptomatic cases. Details are forthcoming.
The university implored students to keep wearing masks, limit gatherings, social distance and stay home when sick. The message sought to remind students of the student social contract they agreed to at the start of the semester. Violations, like not wearing a mask or large gatherings, could result in disciplinary action, including suspension, the message states.
“Any violations of the social contract will result in immediate removal from campus housing and interim suspension pending the outcome of a streamlined disciplinary process that prioritizes the health and safety of the campus community,” according to the message. “... We ask all to be especially careful and to practice good judgment as we work together to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community. These actions are also critical for maintaining the health and safety of the greater Bethlehem community.”
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Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.