Updated Sept. 21, 2020, at 4:29 p.m. to include information on the enforcement of the visitor policy.
Correction: University housing is closed to visitors who live on and off campus. Elon News Network regrets this error.
Elon University is moving to Level 3 -- High Alert due to the increase of COVID-19 cases on campus, according to an email from Jeff Stein, chair of the Ready & Resilient committee.
Stein said the committee and the data analysis working group is responsible for making the decision to move levels.
This decision comes after the university moved to Level 2 just four days ago after an outbreak among student-athletes lead to the suspension of athletic practices.
Since the move to Level 2, 79 students have tested positive for COVID-19. As of Sept. 20, there are 88 active cases of the coronavirus, according to the university's COVID-19 dashboard.
The move to high alert level has prompted the university to increase testing. According to the email, Cone Health’s mobile testing lab will be on campus today, conducting tests of 300 people who have had indirect contact with people who have tested positive. This week, random testing will be increased to 400 tests.
Certain classes with a “significant proportion” of positive cases will move online, but courses not directed to do such should remain the same.
Under high alert, university housing — including residence halls and apartments — is closed to visitors who live on and off campus, according to Stein's email. Students are also required to wear masks in their kitchen and common spaces.
Director of Residence Life MarQuita Barker, did not respond to Elon News Network's multiple calls for comment.
In an email to residential students, Barker said if students have visitors in their room or apartment who do not live there, they could face probation or be removed from their housing.