New coronavirus outbreaks linked to four sororities at Kansas State University
Health officials on Friday listed four Kansas State University sororities as the source of new coronavirus outbreaks in Riley County.
The health department announced 22 positive cases at those Greek houses. They are: Alpha Delta Pi (6), Alpha Xi Delta (6), Chi Omega (5) and Kappa Delta (5).
News of the sorority outbreaks came on the same day when Riley County reported a record 136 new coronavirus cases, which is exactly double the previous high increase.
All residents of any Greek house where an outbreak has been declared should quarantine for two weeks, county officials said in their news release. Residents may return to their permanent homes to complete the quarantine period if they prefer. The quarantine time period begins for all of the residents on the date when the outbreak is declared.
“The leaders of local fraternities and sororities are cooperating with health department staff, but we have concerns that the safety messages are not reaching all of the members,” local health officer Julie Gibbs said. “It is imperative that anyone who has had close contact with a positive patient, or who is sick, remains in quarantine or isolation and takes personal responsibility for their actions.”
A K-State football official confirmed earlier on Friday that seven members of Wildcats team also tested positive for COVID-19 this week. But the team intends to continue practicing for its season opener against Arkansas State on Sept. 12 as originally scheduled.
Local health officials also took new measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Riley County by revoking or canceling all event permits associated with any fraternity and sorority organizations between Aug. 27 and Sept. 10.
“Fraternity and sorority members must take individual responsibility to assure the health of their community and Manhattan,” said Jordan Kocher, Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at K-State. “While our chapters have their health and safety protocols, now is the time for individuals to mirror their behavior to their values. It is our expectation that members participate in contact tracing, stay in quarantine or isolation when instructed to do so, and obtain testing if recommended. Action will be taken should chapters ignore local health orders and community policies; individual member action will be reported to chapter leadership and/or their international organizations.”
This story was originally published August 28, 2020 at 4:10 PM.