Coronavirus: Stony Brook University Closes On-Campus Housing

STONY BROOK, NY — Stony Brook University has closed on-campus housing in the face of the spreading new coronavirus, the school announced online Tuesday. Residents were told they have to vacate the residence halls and campus apartments by the end of the week, as university officials are anticipating increased travel restrictions.

All residents who live within driving distance of campus must vacate no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, while all other residents have until 5 p.m. Friday.

"In an effort to significantly reduce the population density on campus and ensure social distancing measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we made the difficult decision to close on-campus housing," Stony Brook University wrote.

Room and meal plan costs will be prorated for the rest of the semester and applied as a refund or credit.

Students who have already left for spring break must return to retrieve their belongings and complete the checkout process. Those who have already moved out but haven't returned their room key must mail it back in a padded envelope to their quad office.