The executive order comes as a direct response to COVID-19 case numbers three times those at Virginia’s last peak in May — with an average of 3,700 new cases every day. The order cited an 83 percent increase in hospitalization, and a concerning rate of ICU occupancy.
Even if visa laws remain stable in the U.S., international students also have to worry about their ability to return home due to measures other countries are taking to control the entry of travelers from the U.S.
The size limit on gatherings was originally five people, but the University raised it to 10 as of Oct. 13.
The report is mandated by the Clery Act, a federal law that requires transparency in relation to crime statistics on college campuses.
20 of the University’s 27 first-year dormitories and all Lawn residents have undergone testing.
The University issued refunds throughout the end of September to on-Grounds students for housing and all-access dining plans, as well as to those who chose to stay home for the fall semester.
There is currently one confirmed case of COVID-19 in the residence hall.
An email to Balz-Dobie residents at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday evening requested they return to their dorms by 6 p.m. to be tested for COVID-19.
Seven different teams are working on different aspects of the return, from safety concerns to educational preparations.
Several photos shared online of the gatherings depict large gatherings of students — few of whom were wearing masks.
