University of Oregon ‘disappointed’ over large party amid rising COVID cases
Updated May 04, 2021; Posted May 04, 2021
In this May 1, 2021 photo provided by Mojo Hill, University of Oregon students and fans gathering at a cramped outdoor party in Eugene. The University of Oregon says it is "disappointed" to see the photo of more than 100 students at the same time that the region weathers a spike in cases of COVID-19 and businesses endure new restrictions. None of the packed party-goers in the photo are wearing masks.Mojo Hill via AP
Facebook Share
Twitter Share
2,802
shares
By The Associated Press
EUGENE — The University of Oregon says it is “disappointed” to learn about large crowds gathering for parties during the Ducks spring game as the region weathers a spike in cases of COVID-19 and businesses endure new restrictions.
Lane County, where the university is located, moved back to “extreme risk” on Friday, meaning that bars and restaurants were limited to outdoor dining only and normal social gathering places were off-limits. Capacity at a spring game for the Ducks football team at Autzen Stadium had been set at 15% but the new restrictions meant no spectators or tailgaters were allowed.
Instead, students packed into parties at private homes. Photos and videos of several large parties Saturday circulated on social media, showing people standing shoulder-to-shoulder and without masks, The Register-Guard reported.
The University of Oregon issued a statement late Sunday condemning the behavior but said there was little it could do about parties at private houses off campus.
“The university has worked very hard to educate students about the serious COVID-19 health risks of gathering in groups without masks,” the statement said. “This behavior is not representative of the majority of UO students, who we have seen work diligently to follow health guidelines.”
Some residents called the Eugene Police Department and officers assisted the university in dispersing the partygoers. Callers reported loud music and students urinating in the front yard of one home where one student witness snapped a photo that circulated widely on social media, The Register Guard reported.
One woman fell off the roof and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Student Joseph Hill, who took the picture, said there was a party of similar size a few nights before at the same address.
Hill’s Twitter post quickly got a lot of reaction online, from students, alumni and professors who commented that they were disappointed in these students, some who they recognized.
