University of Michigan undergrads ordered to stay in place for 2 weeks

Undergraduate students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have been directed to stay in their residences unless conducting essential activities such as getting food or medicine, voting or attending class, per an order from the health department in Washtenaw County, Mich., where the university is located.

The order, which was issued Tuesday and remains in effect through Nov. 3, comes in response to an uptick in area COVID-19 cases. More than 60% of the local cases reported since Oct. 12 are linked to University of Michigan students, the health department says.

Most coronavirus cases on the university campus have come from “small- or medium-size gatherings” taking place without social distancing or the wearing of face coverings, according to a letter from school officials.

While certain undergraduate classes will remain in person, most are being moved online. University officials say they are working on plans to give housing and dining refunds or credits to students who decide to leave campus in light of these changes.