SDSU Extends Stay-At-Home Order Amid Rising Coronavirus Cases

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego State University has extended its stay-at-home order for students through Monday, Sept. 14, amid rising coronavirus cases within the student population.

Students living in on-campus housing are asked to stay in their current residences, except for essential needs. The order, which was originally set to expire at 6 a.m. Tuesday, will remain in effect through 9 a.m. Monday.

The university reported another 63 COVID-19 cases Monday within the on- and off-campus student population. The latest cases bring the university's total caseload to 286 since the fall semester started Aug. 24.

"Given ongoing testing, and because of the earlier levels of reports before this weekend regarding gatherings and non-compliance with health policies, we anticipate more positive cases will soon be reported," the university said in a statement.

"There is often a delay between high-risk behavior and new cases being identified. The number of cases is also likely to rise because close contact with others can spread infections very quickly, whether a person presents symptoms or not."

None of the cases under investigation are related to on-campus educational activities, including classes or labs, according to the university.

All of SDSU's in-person classes were moved online last Wednesday. SDSU President Adela de la Torre said the classes comprised just 7 percent of all courses.

SDSU also paused all on-campus athletics training and workouts for two weeks starting last Thursday due to the pandemic.

"The stay-at-home order will be revisited and updated as necessary, and we are so proud of the thousands of students who have stepped up and are doing everything they can to protect themselves and their community," the university said in a statement.

Violations of public health orders and SDSU policies may result in disciplinary consequences, according to the university.

Luke Wood, SDSU's vice president for student affairs and campus diversity, said the university was working with a security company to enforce public health code regulations and had issued a total of 457 student violations through Friday afternoon.

Wood said serious violations could result in suspension or expulsion from the university. Some organizations have been cited as well. Wood said the majority of these were fraternities or sororities.

City News Service and Patch editor Kristina Houck contributed to this report.