Greek Life at ECU speaks on COVID-19 clusters

The Department of Greek Life released a statement on its website after the announcement East Carolina University made on Sept. 10 that there were a total of 13 new COVID-19 clusters associated with ECU sororities and fraternities.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services defines a cluster as a minimum of five positive cases that are in close proximity to each other, according to the statement.

“We continue to be concerned for the health and safety of our students and are happy to know that many of these students have already recovered. The clusters reported are from entire chapter memberships and are not specific to chapter houses, as not all groups have houses and only smaller numbers of organization members live in these facilities,” the statement said.

Greek Life’s Department provides information and support to all ECU students as it continues to work with alumni advisors, student leaders and national offices. The statement said ECU Student Health Services will continue to work directly with the organizations on campus where students have tested positive for COVID-19 to help them quarantine and isolate as well as contact trace.

In an effort to reduce COVID-19 cases on campus, the statement said Greek Life has put guidelines in place including only chapter house residents are allowed access. Chapter meetings, events and fall recruitment and new member activities were made virtual.

“The Department of Greek Life appreciates the efforts made by our fraternity and sorority community to help slow the spread of COVID in the community and encourages all students to continue to follow these important protocols,” the statement said. “Complete daily health screenings and seek assistance from Student Health Services if the screening recommends them to do so immediately. Students should not come to campus if they are symptomatic and should contact ECU Student Health Services at (252) 328-6841.”

Students should take guidance about quarantine and isolation from Student Health Services as well as other medical professionals, according to the website. Students should help assist with contact tracing and continue to wear face covering, social distance and wash their hands in effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the statement said.

For further information, individuals can contact the Director of Greek Life John Mountz or Jamie Smith, assistant director of ECU News Services. Individuals can also visit the Return of Pirate Nation website for information or updates regarding COVID-19.