UNH: Theta Chi Fraternity Party With 100 Attendees May Have Led To Coronavirus Outbreak
DURHAM, N.H. (CBS) -- The University of New Hampshire said a party with more than 100 people at a Theta Chi fraternity on August 29 may have led to a coronavirus outbreak of at least 11 people. Masks were not worn at the gathering.
Students at the University of New Hampshire are disappointed the coronavirus spread following the party.
"That puts us in danger and doesn't make me safe to go on campus," said Jack Fisher, a UNH Junior.
The fraternity is suspended while the investigation is conducted and the school is disciplining the organizers and attendees.
"This is reckless behavior and the kind of behavior that undermines our planning and will lead to us switching to a fully remote mode," said a letter from University President James Dean Jr. "The August 29 party is reprehensible and will not be tolerated. As soon as we heard of this party at Theta Chi, we started an investigation with the Interfraternity Council."
A spokesman from the fraternity's national office released a statement saying, "Student health and safety are essential to Theta Chi's mission. The Fraternity expects chapters to follow all applicable laws and regulations."
Durham Town Manager Todd Selig says he's really disappointed with the students behavior.
"You know the students really have to do three things, wear those masks, physical distance and don't get together and party," said Selig.
Students are hoping the parties will stop so they can stay on campus.
"I'm a little mad, just cause we're paying to go here and eventually it's going to have to go online, just like it did last spring," said Grant Quinn, a UNH sophomore.
All members of the fraternity will undergo a 14-day quarantine. Any other students who attended the party ask also asked to immediately start quarantining and call UNH Health & Wellness at 603-862-9355.
