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Michigan State University converting residence hall into COVID-19 isolation housing

MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
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(WXYZ) — Michigan State University says it plans to convert a residence hall into an isolated housing unit for students who test positive for the coronavirus during the academic year.

The university notified students Friday that the Housing Assignments Office has confirmed the need to relocate residents out of Akers Hall to "prepare for Learn From Home and isolation housing impacts to occupancy."

According to MSU, room assignment adjustments this week, the student will be notified when their assignment is made.

Here's the full statement from an Dan Olsen, MSU's Deputy spokesperson,

“As the university works to expand the number of rooms available for students who test positive for the virus to observe an appropriate self-isolation period, Akers Hall made the most sense to transition because of its size and its in-room bathrooms, which limits an individual’s need to move throughout the hall.

“It is critically important that as we plan for a return of students to campus that we make available these isolation rooms to help mitigate risk to others and provide a safe place for students who test positive to recover without further compromising the health of others. Isolation rooms are one of many important and necessary precautionary measures the university is taking to help keep Spartans safe as we plan for all possible scenarios this fall.”

The announcement comes ahead of fall semester classes beginning on September 2.