More Coronavirus Cases, College Parties With FU, SHU Back Open

FAIRFIELD, CT — With the academic year underway and students back on campus, Sacred Heart and Fairfield universities have each seen several coronavirus cases, as well as issues with students socializing in ways that don’t always comply with pandemic protocols.

Sacred Heart as of Sunday reported 31 coronavirus cases since Aug. 27, or about 3.9 percent of a total 802 virus tests. Fairfield University as of Thursday reported seven cases, or roughly 1.6 percent of 426 tests. Students who tested positive were required by both universities to go into isolation.

In early September, just days into the school year, Sacred Heart saw a spike in cases among students living off campus in Bridgeport. Students residing in Bridgeport were temporarily required to take classes remotely and were not allowed on campus, although the ban was lifted last week, according to a Sept. 7 update from the university.

Sacred Heart officials said in a community update Sept. 6 that they had been made aware of gatherings in Bridgeport, although they did not know how many of the gatherings exceeded the university’s maximum of 12 people.

“This is very disappointing considering the situation we find ourselves in,” the update said.

On Sept. 7, Sacred Heart reported an on-campus resident and a campus commuter had both tested positive for the coronavirus.

Two days after that, Sacred Heart said several students had been suspended for disobeying the visitors' policy for residence halls. Violations included too many people in a room and guests from other halls or off campus.

“We want to remind all that a second violation will result in removal from campus,” the update said.

In an email Friday to Fairfield residents, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said she had received reports and photos documenting parties in the beach area and that she had met with Fairfield University officials about the issue.

“The University assured me they are in the process of taking action against students who violated the rules, which I hope will send a strong message to students that the University and the Town take public health and safety very seriously,” Kupchick said.