After reports of numerous parties and nearly 30 students testing positive for the coronavirus in the last 24 hours, West Virginia University has canceled all in-person classes through September 25th at its Morgantown campus, ABC News reports.
“The University continues to work aggressively to identify others attending these large off-campus gatherings and will respond swiftly to bring charges against those found violating the Student Code of Conduct,” the school said in a statement. “WVU is also working with local officials to see what other measures can be implemented for those not following the rules.”
Students reportedly held parties on and around campus during the Labor Day weekend, prompting officials to cancel classes after numerous students tested positive. Students were encouraged to self-isolate, and students who went home for the holiday weekend were encouraged to stay home for the next three weeks. Classes will continue on-line.
“This pause in face-to-face undergraduate instruction will give us time to monitor the steadily climbing cases of COVID-19,” Dr. Jeffrey Coben, associate vice president of health affairs and dean of the School of Public Health, said according to WVU. “There is increasing evidence that crowded indoor gatherings, such as those that occurred over the weekend, can serve as super-spreader events.”