Providence College deals with surge of student virus cases

WPRO News and The Associated Press

The president of Providence College has announced that the school is moving to remote-only learning for at least two weeks after a surge of new confirmed coronavirus cases among students.

The state Department of Health is reporting 120 new cases at the school in the past few days.

Most live off campus.

The Rev. Kenneth Sicard is the private Catholic university’s president. He says students who live off campus cannot leave their apartments, and students who live on campus will be tested and are not allowed to leave campus.

Students who violate the rules face suspensions, and if things get worse, campus may be shut down for the semester.

“It’s a significant number of cases and it’s a challenge because you’re talking about people living in congregate living settings,” said Joseph Wendelken, spokesman for the Rhode Island Department of Health.

“It’s a major focus for us and we have a very significant team that are focused on this.”

 

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