ECU announces move to online classes after experiencing multiple COVID-19 clusters
East Carolina University officials announced Sunday they will move classes online after multiple COVID-19 clusters in the first two weeks of classes.
“This decision to move online for the fall semester was not taken lightly. After all, we achieve our mission — student and regional success — at much higher levels when we can operate in person, with the face-to-face environment providing engagement that we know is critical to our students,” states the announcement that was signed by Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson.
Undergraduate classes are suspended Monday and Tuesday and will move online Wednesday. Professional and graduate courses will continue as they are operating.
“With thousands of students returning to campus, we expected cases but we’ve unfortunately seen a greater spike than anticipated,” Mitchelson said.
On Saturday ECU officials announced multiple COVID-19 clusters, defined as five or more cases, within a residence hall or dwelling.
Those clusters include:
▪ Five people tested positive in Garrett Hall.
▪ Five people tested positive in Fletcher Hall.
▪ Six people tested positive in Fleming Hall;
▪ Seven people tested positive in Tyler Hall.
▪ 10 people tested positive in Greene Hall .
▪ Five people associated with Alpha Gamma Delta sorority tested positive.
At least 108 students and 17 employees have tested positive for the coronavirus at the school as of Aug. 15, according to the latest information made available by the school.
The student data is based on tests conducted by Student Health Services, but not other health care providers, according to the school.
The school started recording the number of cases on June 7. Fall classes started Aug. 10.
UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University also decided to move classes online last week.
UNC-Chapel Hill has identified a total of 10 clusters, including three that were announced over the weekend.
UNC-Chapel Hill announced Sunday a cluster at Avery residence hall. On Saturday, two clusters were found in Craige residence hall and Alpha Delta Pi sorority house at 411 E. Rosemary St, the school reported.
UNC Charlotte also announced Sunday that students won’t return to campus until Oct. 1, due to COVID-19 concerns. However, online-only classes will begin on Sept. 7.
(This is a developing story that will be updated throughout the day.)
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 10:36 AM with the headline "ECU announces move to online classes after experiencing multiple COVID-19 clusters."
