UConn reports 13 new coronavirus cases

University of Connecticut officials again warned students again Saturday about the dangers of gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the school reported 13 new coronavirus cases.

According to the school’s dashboard for coronavirus-related statistics, the university has 106 positive or suspected cases. Of these, 71 concern campus residents and 35 involve people living off campus.

Eleanor JB Daughtery, associate vice president of student affairs and the dean of students, reminded students of safety requirements in a letter Saturday, noting that State Police reported responding to two off-campus gatherings Friday night.

“Please be assured that off-campus activities are as endangering to the health and safety of others as on campus and they will be reviewed in that light,” Daughtery said. “The vast majority of our students are being careful and following health guidelines. However, those who aren’t are getting sick or getting others sick.”

She thanked students for complying with contract tracing efforts by the school’s Student Health & Wellness medical team, but reiterated the importance of abiding by social distancing measures.

“Whether the gatherings are large or small, I must again share with you that these exposures occur when individuals are in close contact with one another — less than six feet — and not wearing a mask. This is as simple as having a few friends in your room and playing card games, video games, watching Netflix — things that I am sure many of us can relate to,” said Daughtery. “These acts appear innocent and understandable during a time when so much has been sacrificed. They are not innocent and they are putting your health and the health of others at risk.”

“Today is a beautiful day. I want you to enjoy it. But we must not relax the universal precautions that we know keep our community safe: wear a mask, stay with your family unit, maintain physical distance, and remain on campus this weekend,” she said. “Be safe, my friends. We’ve made it this far- let’s not stop now.”

Sacred Heart University in Fairfield reported three new coronavirus cases Friday.

The school had restricted students living off-campus in Bridgeport to onlineonly classes Thursday. The decision was made after 10 cases of the coronavirus were found among students living off-campus in Bridgeport.