Students at the University of California at Berkeley have been instructed to isolate themselves in their rooms for another week, while security guards monitor residential buildings and outdoor exercise is banned due to concerns about the coronavirus.
“Due to the 14-day incubation period for this virus, it is too early to be sure that we are counting this current increase,” UC Berkeley told students by email, according to The Daily Californian. “We understand that this extension is frustrating, but please understand that it will help us further mitigate the spread and, at the same time, protect our community.”
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The self-abduction period was set to end on Monday, but UC Berkeley recently extended it to February 15.
“You can NOT leave your room for solitary exercise outdoors, which is a departure from previous self-abduction guidelines,” says the UC Berkeley campus hosting page. “We are working with the city of Berkeley to determine whether outdoor exercise can be allowed and we will provide more information about this in the near future.”
University of California entrance sign at the corner of Oxford Street and Center Street in Berkeley, California. iStock
More than 200 students, teachers and staff have tested positive for coronavirus since January 31, according to the UC Berkeley website.
Students can only leave their rooms to seek medical attention or a coronavirus test, use the bathroom and pick up meals at a dinner kiosk. The ban on outdoor exercise is new, reported the Daily Californian.
UC Berkeley also informed students that there may be an increase in “community security officers” in residential buildings, according to The Daily Californian.
The university campus hosting page encourages students to report any violation of coronavirus rules.
“If you witness a violation of the self-abduction protocols or the Residential Code of Conduct … the Vida Residencial team will send a conduct report on your behalf,” says the website. “Reporting what you witnessed will help protect your fellow students and our community. We are all in this together.”
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Students who decide to leave campus accommodation permanently cannot cancel accommodation contracts until March 1, according to The Daily Californian. Students can receive a partial refund, but must also pay a $ 300 cancellation fee.
Fox News’ inquiry into UC Berkeley was not immediately returned.