An entire freshman residence hall at Sacred Heart
University is under a "precautionary quarantine" after several
students tested positive for COVID-19.
Random testing resulted in five cases of the virus at
Merton Hall, which houses approximately 300 students.
The school is currently testing all the building’s
residents. Results are expected no later than Saturday morning. That's when the
school will decide whether to lift the quarantine.
Infected students were moved to Sacred Heart's West Campus
at the old GE headquarters.
All residents in Merton Hall are asked to stay in their
rooms except to use designated bathrooms. Students told News 12 that they
received care packages to help them get through their quarantine.
SHU Public Safety Director Gary MacNamara says all cases
have been asymptomatic. At this point, Sacred Heart is not testing anyone the
students might have been in class with. The school believes that the risk of
spread is low due to mask wearing and social distancing measures. Students who
spoke with News 12 agreed.
“I'm happy about how the school has handled it so far, and
I think they're doing better than a lot of other schools that I've heard,” said
Sheila Moloney.