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SUNY campus to shut for 2 weeks after spike in virus cases

The 105 cases at SUNY Oneonta represent about 3% of the students and faculty on campus this semester.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Officials say a campus of the State University of New York will shut down for two weeks after more than 100 people in the college community tested positive for the coronavirus.

The 105 cases at SUNY Oneonta represent about 3% of the students and faculty on campus this semester.

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said Sunday that five students have been suspended because of large parties that were held last week. He said three rapid-result testing sites will be set up in Oneonta starting Wednesday. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged students to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines and avoid large gatherings.

“Our campus-wide testing results give confirmation to our growing concern that SUNY Oneonta was at risk for more coronavirus cases as a few students blatantly ignored guidelines to keep the campus safe,” State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras. 

“We know that the vast majority of students at SUNY Oneonta – and across our system – recognize the importance of COVID-19 safety protocols, and now we need full compliance. Those who engage in selfish, irresponsible behavior will face consequences and I applaud President Morris for taking swift action. With this data, SUNY, the Department of Health, and the City of Oneonta are providing additional resources and personnel to support President Barbara Jean Morris and her team as they work to contain the spread further. 

"Over the next two weeks as campus goes to remote learning, President Morris, Mayor Gary Herzig, and I will continue to monitor the situation and will be prepared to take further actions. I thank Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health for immediately deploying resources to aid Oneonta.”

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