University hits pause

Binghamton suspends inperson classes for two weeks as virus count nears limit set by state./

Binghamton University will temporarily pause in-person classes and activities to limit the spread of COVID -19 as cases on campus near the state’s threshold for moving classes online.

State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras and Binghamton University President Harvey G. Stenger announced the two-week precautionary measures on Wednesday following an increase in COVID -19 cases both in Broome County and on campus.

“After closely examining the spike in cases in Broome County and the trajectory of the virus on campus, President Stenger and I believe a precautionary pause on all in-person learning and activities is the best course of action for containing COVID and protecting the community,” Malatras said.

Malatras and Stenger agreed to take action after intense scrutiny of case data and daily trends, they said.

There were 89 virus cases on campus identified after Sept. 26, according to SUNY’S COVID -19 tracker which resets every two weeks.

Binghamton University will also crack down on large gatherings and accelerate its testing routine.

The university has completed nearly 12,000 campus-administered tests so far this semester and will increase daily testing from 200 to 800 to better monitor the virus.

Residential facilities will remain open and students will be directed to stay on campus for a temporary two-week shift to remote learning to prevent further spread of the virus. The two-week pause begins on Thursday. If cases stabilize and students continue complying with safety measures, the university will resume in-person learning in 14 days.

“This is a bump in the road; however, it is part of the necessary new reality that we are living in and we will get through this by working together,” Stenger said.