Colleges warn students against Halloween parties

FAIRFIELD — Sacred Heart University officials are warning students not to throw Halloween parties, after hearing “rumblings” of planned gatherings for the holiday.

“While we sympathize with the desire to have some fun and celebrate, we need to remind you that with the town of Fairfield on red alert,” there should not be gatherings, the school’s coronavirus planning team said in a message to the community Tuesday night.

Bridgeport is also experiencing an outbreak, SHU officials said, with most of the cases coming from small gatherings where masks are not worn.

“This is a crucial weekend that could undo everything we have done all semester to fight and contain the virus,” the message said.

SHU plans to have extra patrols in Bridgeport’s North End neighborhood, which houses many offcampus students, as well as on- campus.

On Tuesday, SHU officials reported 18 new cases since Friday. Eight were among students off- campus, nine among students living off- campus, and one among employees.

The school’s public dashboard showed 71 active cases as of Tuesday.

It’s not the only school concerned about the potential for the virus to spread amid a Halloween bacchanal.

Last week, Fairfield University said it would “strongly discourage” students from taking part in unofficial Halloween gatherings.

“Halloween has historically been a time for revelry and celebration on our campus. This year will and must be very different,” Dean of Students William Johnson said.

Fairfield U. reported nine new coronavirus infections as of Tuesday, all among students. The university currently reports 34 active cases — two among faculty and staff members.

Both SHU and Fairfield University are organizing official Halloween activities and said more details will be announced soon.

Sacred Heart is hosting events at each residence hall, along with a movie night Thursday. Fairfield U. students will also be allowed to gather with roommates.

Local and state health officials throughout Connecticut have also raised concerns about the holiday as new cases of COVID- 19 have surged around the state in recent weeks.

In Danbury, Mayor

Mark Boughton urged residents of Deer Hill Avenue not to hold trickor- treating out of concern it could not be done while maintaining social distancing.

Yale University in New Haven reported 16 new cases within the past seven days, according to the school’s data. The new cases were evenly divided between students and faculty and staff. The school has reported 83 cases so far this semester.

Quinnipiac University in Hamden reported 27 new cases in the past six days— the same number of active cases the school reports are currently in isolation. Quinnipiac has seen 56 confirmed COVID- 19 cases so far this semester.

Connecticut College in New London reported three new cases so far this week. Two involved students; one was found among employees. There have been 22 cases among students and seven among employees there since the start of the semester.