MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Officials with the University of Wisconsin-Madison are asking students to limit large group gatherings for the next two weeks after a spike in positive COVID-19 tests.
The number of positive tests on campus has gone up for five consecutive days, which prompted Chancellor Rebecca Blank to call on students to only leave their dorms or off-campus housing for a half dozen reasons including to go to class, get food or supplies, or to go to work or doctors appointments.
Blank’s order will expire on September 21st.
Interim President Tommy Tompson released the following statement Sunday evening:
“Chancellor Blank is taking prudent steps to mitigate outbreaks by limiting student gatherings. Like other universities throughout the nation, UW-Madison is taking aggressive actions to adapt to the circumstances informed by its testing strategies. We knew there would most likely be an increase in early cases and today’s decision, while inconvenient to students, is necessary. UW System will continue to work with all its campuses to address specific circumstances as they arise.”
The school has also canceled all group social activities and banned visitors from dorms. Additionally, all RecWell facilities have been closed and on-campus dining options are now limited to take-out only.
Officials say the Madison campus has nearly 170 students either in isolation or quarantine. On Sunday alone nearly 150 students tested positive for the virus.
