UVA President directs students to stay on campus for two weeks to limit spread of virus

The president of the University of Virginia has announced new COVID-19 restrictions which he describes as mostly preemptive because students have been doing the right thing.

UVa President Jim Ryan announced the new restrictions in a video on Tuesday, and they went into effect on Wednesday, The Daily Progress of Charlottesville reported. Ryan said the restrictions will last for at least the next two weeks.

“As we’ve said from the very beginning, staying one step ahead of this virus will not be easy,” Ryan said. “It will require everyone doing their part – not just some of the time or even most of the time, but all the time.”

Among the new restrictions is a reduction in the number of students allowed to gather from 15 to five. Ryan said if students don’t abide by the new number, additional measures may be taken, including imposing a curfew.

The school also is asking students not to leave Charlottesville for the next two weeks and not to invite outsiders to campus. Masks are still required for all students away from home, Ryan said.

UVa will continue in-person classes during the next two weeks and will continue to step up testing, Ryan said.

(IMAGE: University of Virginia)