IU leaders: Rise in COVID-19 cases in Greek houses concerning but expected

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) — The list of sororities and fraternities ordered to quarantine on Indiana University’s campus is growing.

Last week, the university released a list of eight. That list has now grown to 14.

In the latest COVID-19 dashboard released Monday, the university called the rate of positive cases in Greek houses “concerning.” IU spokesperson Chuck Carney said although the numbers are alarming, they were expected and will likely grow over the coming weeks.

“We’re not pointing out somebody in particular. We’re just trying make sure that we keep an eye on populations that are close together and that could be any group of students that live together in a close quarter,” he said.

The most recent data shows the positivity rate in Greek houses at 8.1% of students tested and the residence halls at 1.63%.

Carney said thousands of students and staff will be tested through the university’s mitigation testing initiative, which will likely show another rise in cases. However, it will help leaders find and deal with problem areas.

Carney said students in dorms who test positive will quarantine in single rooms, and students in Greek residences will still have the option to stay in their houses but, if possible, are encouraged to leave campus.

Freshmen Zoe Schwertfager and Emmy Hedges said although it’s tempting, they won’t be selfish and hope other students follow suit.

“It’s kind of a hard time to come into college. It’s kind of sad and wish I had the experiences that everyone else got,” Schwertfager said.

“You know I think having fun needs to wait a little bit, which is sad, but it’s the sad truth of the world we’re living in,” Hedges added.

The university will release an updated dashboard that shows case percentages each week.