U. Of Arizona Hires Security To Enforce Coronavirus Restrictions

TUCSON — The University of Arizona is cracking down on large gatherings both on and off campus amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The university announced Tuesday the extra measures it is taking to limit the spread of the virus among students, including a partnership with the Tucson Police Department and businesses near campus, and hiring private security.

The announcement comes as the country heads into Labor Day weekend. Officials caution against attending parties or big gatherings, in an effort to help curb the pandemic.

"We encourage everyone: Please do not have large gatherings," Dr. Robert C. Robbins, university president, said in a news release. "We know that is ripe for transmission of this deadly virus."

One new measure is a collaboration between the university and the Tucson Police Department called the Campus Area Response Team, which will respond to reports of gatherings. Another team will respond to reports of off-campus gatherings in partnerships with local neighborhood associations. Businesses along Fourth Avenue and University Boulevard have been asked to enforce safety precautions. Additionally, all sororities and fraternities must assign one person per house to enforce compliance.

Robbins also said that “we’re hiring monitors from a private security company to patrol and ensure compliance of health and safety directives, especially face covering and physical distancing on campus.”

Six private security guards will patrol the campus to promote safety, just as they do at football or basketball games.

Between July 31 and Aug. 31, the university administered approximately 11,319 antigen tests, with 103 positive results. Students who have tested positive are in isolation dorms. Tests have been made available to all students and employees, as well as members of the Tucson community. About 5,000 students are attending in-person classes this semester, the news release said.

The university has also earned national attention for its unique efforts to combat the coronavirus, using wastewater to detect outbreaks before they worsen. Last week, following a positive wastewater test result in one campus dorm, the building's 311 residents were tested for the virus, and three positive cases were confirmed.

But Dr. Richard Carmona, an Arizona professor and the Campus Reentry Task Force Director, said it is ultimately up to students to keep themselves safe.

"You are our greatest strength," he said, "but you are our greatest weakness if you don't comply with these public health best practices."