LANSING, Mich. (AP/FOX17) — A mandatory, two-week quarantine has been issued to 23 fraternities and sororities and seven large rental houses near Michigan State University following a coronavirus outbreak.
Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said Monday that the surge in cases is alarming and turning into a “crisis.”
Vail acted two days after she urged all MSU students living locally to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days.
Students or others living inside the buildings are required to stay inside and cannot leave except for medical care or necessities that cannot be delivered.
Residents must also separate themselves, wear face coverings in common areas, maintain 6 feet of physical distance, answer messages from ICHD staff or MSU’s physician’s office, and prohibit outside visitors among other rules.
“We’re not too surprised,” said David Moore, a sophomore who lives next to one of the impacted houses. “I mean we all agree it’s probably the best for the community and the university for everybody’s safety and health. We all want to keep everybody safe so we can get back to normal.”
Matt Borminski, an alumni who lives along M.A.C. Avenue near six of the homes, calls the spread among the isolated houses frustrated.
“We are trying as a house to keep this under wraps and to see everyone else around here has been kind of frustrating for us.”
“On weekend nights, there will be a lot of people on several lawns or porches that are basically acting like COVID isn’t a thing,” said David Kujacznski, alumni.
Violators face up to six months in jail, a $200 fine, or both.
“Other people that could very easily suffer the consequences of their actions,” said Kujacznski.
Neighbors hope the houses comply.
“Try to keep to that quarantine and like keep your head up,” said Moore. “A lot of people have been affected by it worse. We all just need to do our part.”
“We share in the concern of our public health experts and will hold students accountable for complying with all local health orders as outlined in our community compact — even if they are off campus,” said Emily Guerrant, MSU spokeswoman. “We all share in the responsibility of protecting ourselves and each other. This mandatory quarantine for specific off-campus houses is another helpful tool to stop the spread of COVID-19.”