WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The College of the Holy Cross has confirmed 21 new cases of COVID-19 among students who attended off-campus parties in Worcester two weeks ago.
According to WBZ-TV, anyone who attended the parties, or had direct contact with an attendee, has been advised to self-quarantine. Meanwhile, residents who live near the campus are becoming concerned about catching the virus, after noticing an uptick in crowded off-campus gatherings.
In a statement posted to its website on August 18, the College of the Holy Cross said its public safety officers had found a large number of people not wearing masks or social distancing at a student's overcrowded apartment party.
“This behavior violates state and local guidelines as well as the Holy Cross Community Commitment, which students acknowledged and agreed to in July," the College said. "Needless to say, this is a profoundly disappointing situation. The students responsible for the party will be held accountable under our Community Standards process.”
The College said it has continued to work with students living in the Worcester area on the importance of following social distancing guidelines, wearing a mask when in public, and doing everything they can to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
City Manager Ed Augustus said the City of Worcester has been working with Holy Cross to identify those who have tested positive, and those who need to be quarantined for possible exposure.
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