By MICHELLE MERLIN, THE MORNING CALL 

Lehigh University is advising on-campus students to stay where they are and avoid going into the community when possible after a spike in coronavirus cases.

There have been 147 COVID cases at Lehigh, according to the school’s COVID dashboard. The university last week announced 22 new cases on Oct. 1, prompting officials to shift classes for undergraduate students online. The university’s dashboard shows 82 cases since Monday, prompting additional recommendations.

“The sharp rise in positive undergraduate student cases, and the 3% positivity rate based on the results returned so far from the surveillance testing performed Tuesday, affirms the step of scaling back campus activity and also demonstrates the need for further action to reduce the spread of the virus among our on- and off-campus student population,” school officials said in a news release.

University officials are adding restrictions for students that will go into effect Friday and run through Oct. 23. They’re telling students who are living on campus to stay there, unless they’re going home, have an emergency or health-related circumstance. Students living off campus are only allowed to access the Health and Wellness Center on campus.

Lehigh University going remote for at least two weeks after increase in COVID-19 positive tests »

All students were advised to be careful when they’re out in the Bethlehem community and to wear masks.

Previous changes remain in effect through Oct. 23, including gathering limits of five people, the closure of libraries and the Taylor Gym, takeout dining, remote undergraduate classes, and the suspension of athletic team practices and training.

“The sharp rise in positive undergraduate student cases, and the 3% positivity rate based on the results returned so far from the surveillance testing performed Tuesday, affirms the step of scaling back campus activity and also demonstrates the need for further action to reduce the spread of the virus among our on- and off-campus student population,” school officials said in a news release.

University officials are adding restrictions for students that will go into effect Friday and run through Oct. 23. They’re telling students who are living on campus to stay there, unless they’re going home, have an emergency or health-related circumstance. Students living off campus are only allowed to access the Health and Wellness Center on campus.

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