Since Aug. 30, 124 Michigan State University students living off-campus have tested positive for COVID-19, university officials said Tuesday.
Officials say the cases are linked to multiple large student gatherings in the East Lansing community since mid-August.
MSU says the case number only reflects symptomatic students who were tested at MSU testing locations or self-reported a positive test to the university.
There is no requirement for students to self-report to the university or utilize MSU testing locations.
All individuals have been directed to self-isolate and receive appropriate medical care.
“This increase in positive cases among students is disappointing, but not unexpected,” said President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. “As students return to off-campus housing, some are attending large gatherings where people are in close contact without an appropriate face covering. This is the easiest and fastest way for the coronavirus to spread.
“This spike in cases should serve as a wake-up call to our community about the importance of personal responsibility and following health guidelines. Please, avoid large gatherings, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing and wash your hands frequently. We all share the responsibility to keep ourselves and our community safe. I hope that all students who are infected make full recoveries.”
“Over the past week, we have seen the sharpest spike in Ingham County COVID-19 cases to date. The increase is directly tied to various social gatherings, many of which were over capacity. We cannot allow this to continue. If students do not take precautions to heart, more drastic measures will be required,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “Everyone must be vigilant and must follow safety guidelines. The health department is working in close partnership with the university and the city of East Lansing, but we need the students to join us in our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.”