OTTAWA COUNTY, MI – New coronavirus cases have dropped significantly at Grand Valley State University since the start of its 14-day, stay-at-home order but health officials say not enough to fully ease up on restrictions when the order ends at midnight.

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health announced Thursday, Oct. 1 restrictions on student gatherings in a new two-week “Staying Safe” order.

The mandate, which will go into effect Friday, Oct. 2 until Friday, Oct. 16, places the following restrictions on student gatherings, which include parties, group gatherings, study sessions or group walking:

• Up to four guests may visit student living units and residences, while observing strict preventive measures, including social distancing and wearing face coverings.
• Students may not gather in groups greater than four people in all indoor common areas on the Allendale campus, with the exception of classes or university-organized academic activities.
• All outdoor, non-university gatherings cannot