UC Berkeley officials are cracking down on lockdown orders as the university continues to grapple with a spike in COVID-19 cases.
The university has now extended a self-sequester mandate for students living in campus housing. The sequester was originally scheduled to end this past Monday but has been extended through at least February 15.
Students are only allowed to leave their rooms in order to use the bathroom, pick up food, get a coronavirus test, see a doctor or in case of an emergency. Previously students were allowed to leave to get outdoor exercise but that is no longer allowed.
Resident aide Selena is working to keep students quarantined and said it is not time for people to let their guards down.
"Yes, the regional stay at home order was lifted. But that doesn’t mean in this specific area we’re doing okay."
The university is currently dealing with its second surge and says there will be more campus police monitoring the dorm buildings and checking student IDs.
Ellie lives off campus and therefore does not fall under the mandate, but said that many students are not taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously. "I know some of our neighbors throw parties quite often and it’s kinda disrespectful, I think, to be doing that."
Students who violate the self-sequester could face serious consequences, including losing their on campus housing or even suspension.
