Wesleyan U. ends entry quarantine

MIDDLETOWN — Wesleyan University ended its start-of-semester quarantine over the weekend, and university officials said they would consider allowing students to venture into the community in the next two weeks.

Students began a 14-day arrival quarantine earlier in the month that concluded on Sunday. In a message to the school community, Dean of Students Rick Culliton thanked students for abiding by the COVID-19 protocols.

“I know they are challenging, but your participation has been critical in starting off our spring as safely as possible,” he wrote.

Going forward, students will by allowed to attend in-person classes and can visit others in their same residence hall or program house provided their wear masks and maintain social distance. Dining remains pickup only, and students are only allowed to go off campus for groceries, or to go to pharmacies or medical appointments.

The school relaxed some restrictions as students entered the second week of quarantine last week due to low positivity rates.

Like some other colleges and universities, Wesleyan has taken a tough approach to student testing. Students are required to schedule their own tests, and those who miss more than three tests will be required to leave campus and take remote classes for the rest of the semester.

Culliton said university officials will look at the COVID-19 metrics in Middletown by March 8 to decide whether students will be able to venture out into the city— including stores and restaurants.

As of Sunday, Wesleyan reported eight new cases in the past week, with four active cases among students and two among employees.

As most colleges and universities are now several weeks into the spring semester, several have reported new cases as well.

Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven reported 25 cases last week, with 11 students in isolation on campus.

Quinnipiac University in Hamden reported six new cases last Thursday, with 25 active cases.

The University of New Haven in West Haven reported 17 new cases within the last seven days as of Tuesday, with 24 active cases, all involving students.

Yale University in New Haven reported 21 new cases in the last seven days as of Sunday, with 233 cases reported since Jan.

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