With nearly 100 new COVID-19 cases in one day, NCSU students decide whether to move out

All students who tested positive are being isolated, and all residents of the houses are being quarantined. New numbers show nearly 100 new COVID-19 cases since Thursday.

The rising number of cases prompted the university to move all classes online, and now, some students are moving out.

It's a big blow – as many students just moved in two weeks ago.

Some of the newest members of the Wolfpack are packing up – like Connor Bunch, an NCSU freshman who moved into Tucker Hall just two weeks ago.

“I don’t really see the point in staying here and having my family pay for me to just stay in my room 24/7. I can just go home and just stay upstairs in my room for free," said Bunch.

Bunch is one of more than 200 students who’ve canceled their on-campus housing in the 24 hours since the university announced it would move all classes online.

“I’m really disappointed," said Madison Costa, another NCSU freshman.

Costa wants to stay. She’s looking at off-campus options with friends, because she fears the university will eventually force more students to leave.

“I don’t think the coronavirus is spreading in the classroom. I think it’s spreading through all the parties and the dorms and the dining hall," she said.

Students said most of their fall classes were already online.

“I don’t think I’ll have any trouble adjusting," said Bunch.

They’re now looking forward to a clean slate in the spring.

N.C. State spokesperson Mick Kilikowski told WRAL's Julian Grace the university did not give permission for the social events at the Greek houses.

"The vast majority of our students understand and comply with the community standards, which were set in late July," Kilikowski said. "In fact, each student acknowledged reading through and understanding the community standard expectations before the beginning of the fall semester.”

Friday evening, Drew Logsdon, director of communications for Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., released a statement after N.C. State said 26 members had tested positive at a frat party at the university's chapter location.

"Sigma Nu Fraternity is aware of a recent social activity at the chapter house of the Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at North Carolina State University that was reportedly not in compliance with the University’s COVID-19 restrictions. The fraternity is working closely with NC State officials to investigate this matter. The chapter’s social activities have been suspended pending the completion of that investigation. The Fraternity appreciates the support being provided by NC State to all students impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The Fraternity expects all members to be aware of and observant of all COVID-19 related policies and expectations of their college or university."