Duke University has ordered all undergraduates to quarantine after a coronavirus outbreak on campus. The college said that more than 180 people tested positive after students attended recruitment parties. The school identified an additional 200 people who may have been exposed as well.
Under the quarantine order, all classes will be held remotely, and students must remain in their dorms except for "essential activities related to food, health, or safety."
Officials said that the quarantine will last for one week and that students who leave their dorms for activities not deemed essential could face punishment, including suspension or dismissal from the university.
"If this feels serious, it's because it is. This stay-in-place period is strongly recommended by our medical experts. The restriction of student movement—coupled with a renewed dedication to following social distancing, masking, symptom monitoring and other public health guidelines—gives us the best path toward curtailing further spread," John Blackshear, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, wrote in a letter to students. "Violations of these requirements will be considered a violation of the Duke Compact and will be treated as such; flagrant and repeated violations will be grounds for suspension or withdrawal from Duke."
The quarantine order comes a few days after Duke was forced to withdraw from the Atlantic Coast Conference basketball tournament because a player tested positive for COVID-19. The university's status for the NCAA tournament is up in the air, but it is possible the Blue Devils could play if selected.
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