SUNY Campus Will Shut Down For Two Weeks After COVID-19 Cases Rise

Colleges are prepared to welcome students back, on at least a limited basis with in-class and online instruction, but one SUNY college has taken a major step back.

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According to WIVB, SUNY Oneonta's campus will shut down for two weeks after more than 100 people in the college community tested positive for COVID-19.

The chancellor of the state university system, Jim Malatras, said that five students have been suspended because of "large parties" that were held last week. Malatras joined Governor Andrew Cuomo on a phone conference call for the announcement.

As a result of the spike in COVID-19 cases, Oneonta will start up rapid-result testing sites, starting this Wednesday.

Oneonta wasn't the only university that had students suspended. The University of Albany also had four students suspended from campus, after officials discovered large-party gatherings.

“I get it,” Governor Cuomo said. ”You go back to college. You want to see your friends. Part of the college experience is socializing.”

Cuomo warns New Yorkers to still be diligent with COVID-19.

One has to wonder if this could happen at colleges here in Western New York? Oneonta is about four hours away but Buffalo has some large campuses too. It appears Buffalo State and UB have taken appropriate actions in lessening the chance for a spike in cases, but this is something to keep an eye on.