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Hampden-Sydney to resume classes Wednesday after norovirus outbreak

Posted at 8:41 AM, Feb 01, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-01 18:47:40-05

HAMPDEN SYDNEY, Va. -- Hampden-Sydney College will resume classes this week. HSC administrators tweeted classes will be held Wednesday. The college cancelled classes last week after norovirus spread rapidly through campus.

"The Virginia Department of Health has determined that the illness on campus is norovirus.  Norovirus spreads quickly and causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a low grade fever.  The virus is contracted by contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces and items.  The virus can remain vital for as long as two weeks," HSC posted on its website.

The decision to cancel classes was made after 300 students, nearly one-third of the total student body, got sick. Cleaning crews spent the last few days disinfecting the campus.

Following Department of Health guidelines, the College is undertaking environmental cleaning of all buildings.  To allow this process to continue efficiently:

Classes are suspended until Wednesday, February 4

Athletic practices and competitions, extracurricular activities, and fraternity social events are suspended until Wednesday, February 4

Administrative departments will resume normal hours on Tuesday, February 3.