The Connecticut Department of Public Health issued a COVID-19 alert statewide for Labor Day Weekend Friday.

Officials say the alert was sparked by recent clusters of cases among college students, as well as by concern over the many gatherings scheduled for the holiday weekend.

DPH Acting Commissioner Deidre Gifford urges all Connecticut residents, especially young adults, to take all necessary precautions to avoid risking exposure to COVID-19 and spreading infection.

"We have a beautiful weekend coming up. But as we celebrate the holiday, DPH is reminding CT residents that small gatherings of family and friends are a major source of infection," said Acting Commissioner Gifford. "In the past several weeks in Connecticut, we are seeing small gatherings of friends and family leading to COVID-19 infection. If you are getting together with anyone who doesn't live with you, please: wear your mask, maintain social distance, wash your hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer. In addition, our partners in local health departments will be monitoring restaurants and other public spaces to be sure our Re-Opening rules are adhered to."

There have been at least 10 COVID-19 cases among Sacred Heart University students living off campus, with more test results pending.

The university shut down campus access Friday for students living off campus in Bridgeport and notified the campus community, parents and area residents of the situation. Students who test positive are being isolated.

University of Connecticut has been issuing daily updates for the public and campus community about COVID-19 cases on and off campus. There have been at least a total of 89 cumulative positive cases among residential students since they started to arrive for the fall semester.