After over 300 Michigan State University affiliated people have tested positive for COVID-19 since August 24th, the Ingham County health department has asked all students to self quarantine for 2 weeks.

The announcement came after a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from a total of 23 during the 3 weeks leading up to August 24th, to 342 positive cases as of September 12th.  The voluntary self quarantine request will last from September 12 through September 26 and may eventually need to be turned into an emergency mandate if the spread continues.

“This is an urgent situation,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail. “The exponential growth of COVID-19 cases must stop. I am concerned about the health and safety of the MSU community, and importantly, I am seriously concerned that unchecked transmission locally will affect the health and safety of all Ingham County residents. If we do not slow the spread immediately, we will be dealing with the consequences across the county for months to come.”

The spread is thought to be linked to students returning to campus for classes, despite most of those classes being conducted remotely.  According to an article by Deadline Detroit, the spread may be linked to students attending parties and social gatherings.  The article went on to say that the health department may consider banning parties at Greek houses.

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