CANTON — St. Lawrence University has shifted to remote learning after nine positive cases of COVID-19 had been found on campus.

The announcement was made on the college’s website Nov. 19. The statement from SLU officials is as follows:

"We write to share information about more positive cases on campus and the actions the University has taken.

"As of November 19, we have completed 18,149 tests of students and employees. We learned of seven additional members of campus who have tested positive bringing our total number of active cases up to nine. Contact tracing is in process now. The COVID-19 dashboard is updated regularly. The University is required to act on every positive result received.

"The campus operating status has moved to yellow (moderate risk) and St. Lawrence is taking the following actions effective immediately:

"All classes will move to remote learning for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester effective immediately; faculty and students should plan on NO in-person class meetings. If faculty or students have questions about their courses, they should contact acadean@stlawu.edu.

"Continuing Phase 1 Residential Visitation (visitation within extended family unit only; no other residence hall access).

"Continuing to discourage students from leaving campus with the exception of essential travel for groceries, medical appointments, and medication.

"Precautionary quarantine continues for Kappa Delta Sigma House, Tri-Delta ("Delta") House and Commons College. Students are required to continue their precautionary quarantine in their rooms until the University receives results. The University will send an email to campus when the precautionary quarantine is lifted.

"Student gatherings limited to extended family units only.

"Canceling all in-person activities (including athletics practices and competitions) and closing all Athletics and Recreation venues through Monday, November 30.

"Campus visitors are limited to essential service providers only.

"Brewer Bookstore will remain open with increased precautions but the café is closed.

"Employees who are able to work from home, should continue to work from home or revert to home work in consultation with your supervisor.

Thanksgiving Break

"The residence halls close on Tuesday, November 24, at 5:00 p.m. for Thanksgiving Break. Any student who did not register to stay on campus must depart by this time. Students are required to take all personal property out of their room upon departure. A fee of $850 will be charged to student accounts if all personal property is not removed properly from campus.

"Students NOT in campus exposure quarantine or precautionary quarantine may leave campus for the semester if they have completed the following actions:

"Completed a departure check-out with their CA. Sign-up sheets to schedule your early departure check-out can be found on your CA’s door.

"Negative test results (a screenshot of your results) must be emailed to reslife@stlawu.edu before departure.

"In accordance with NY State guidance, students in campus quarantine or precautionary quarantine (residents of Kappa Delta Sigma House, Tri-Delta ("Delta") House and Commons College) are not permitted to go home for the semester until they have received a negative test result from a test on Thursday, Nov. 19.

"Our full investigation into the unauthorized large gatherings that took place last weekend continues. It is critical that we continue to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, avoid gatherings, stay home when you are sick, and keep your hands and space clean. We will keep campus updated as information is available. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and accommodate the students in precautionary quarantine as we all work to keep Laurentians safe and healthy."