Fairfield U Students In Beach Area Banned From Campus

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield University students living off campus in the town’s beach area will be required to stay away from school grounds after an increase in coronavirus cases.

The university announced the measure Friday, citing a spike in cases within the past two days, and noting that students risk expulsion if they don’t comply with virus prevention protocols.

“This is a critical moment for each of you and the rest of the University community,” Vice President of Student Life Karen Donoghue said in an email to students.

As of 8 p.m. Friday, beach area students will be banned through Oct. 23 from the university’s campus and its associated off-campus sites, reverting to online classes in the interim. The off-campus students must stay in their own houses and yards, and may only interact with roommates, according to the email.

“There is a zero tolerance policy with students not following mitigation strategies,” Donoghue said. “Failure to comply with all mandates issued by the University and public health authorities ultimately may result in permanent separation (i.e. expulsion) from the University.”

Between Tuesday and Thursday, Fairfield University confirmed 61 new coronavirus cases within the school community, according to data provided by the university. Since Sept. 1, the school has had 180 community members test positive for the virus.

In addition to the restrictions for off-campus students, on-campus residents will not be allowed to visit students who live in the beach area. NCAA, club and intramural sports will be on hold for two weeks, and the Walsh Athletic Center and RecPlex will be closed during that time.

Earlier in the week, Fairfield University notified students about a disproportionate number of coronavirus cases in its Claver Hall dorm. Through Oct. 20, Claver Hall residents are taking online classes only, are restricted to their rooms and may only interact with their suitemates.

“I want to acknowledge that this is a hard situation and we appreciate your full cooperation,” Donoghue said. “I ask that you follow these directives to keep you and our community safe.”