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UPDATE: Notre Dame Mandates Virus Testing After Football Celebration

(Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)

UPDATE (Nov. 9): 

The University of Notre Dame began COVID-19 exit testing for its students Monday ahead of the holiday break. After this weekend’s football game -- where students gathered for pre-game parties and rushed the field in violation of social distancing -- penalties have increased for students who don’t get tested.

In an email to students, University President Fr. John Jenkins called the conduct “disappointing” and laid out the new guidelines: if students don’t report for COVID-19 testing, they won’t be able to register for spring classes. They’re also not allowed to leave South Bend until they receive their results and know they're virus-free. 

Jim Moster, a junior at Notre Dame, says the new protocols make sense given the weekend partying. But, he also thinks the university should take responsibility for allowing student attendance at the game, especially this close to the end of the semester.

“We’re burned out, and I think a lot of students feel like they need an outlet," Moster said. "Students must take responsibility for their own actions. I think that we should also hold the university accountable.”

Sophia Henn, a senior at Notre Dame, said with students returning to their home communities, stricter protocols are necessary. However, she said that logic doesn’t always translate to stressed-out students.

“If there’s any time to be strict, it really is now," Henn said. "Even though we think it’s reasonable, I think we’re all just fatigued.”

Notre Dame will conduct exit testing from now through Saturday, Nov. 21.

AP UPDATE (Nov. 9):

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — University of Notre Dame students are now subject to mandatory coronavirus testing and face strict penalties if they leave town before getting their test results after thousands of fans stormed the football field and threw parties to celebrate a double-overtime upset over Clemson. Notre Dame President the Rev. John Jenkins said in an email Sunday that students must undergo coronavirus testing before they leave South Bend, Indiana, for the winter break. Jenkins says if a student is exposed or tests positive, they must quarantine on campus for two weeks. Students who don't complete the test can't register for classes.

 
PREVIOUS POST ( Nov. 7): 

Saturday night Notre Dame pulled off a stunning win at Notre Dame Stadium beating top-ranked Clemson in double overtime by a score of 47-40. 

Kyren Williams had a 3-yard touchdown run in the second overtime and No. 4 Notre Dame shut down top-ranked Clemson with a couple of sacks to seal a 47-40 victory Saturday night, the Fighting Irish’s first victory over a No. 1 in 27 years.

Credit (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP)
Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) fends off Clemson Tigers safety Nolan Turner (24) on his way to a touchdown during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in South Bend, Ind.

Clemson had won 36 straight games and had not lost to an Atlantic Coast Conference team since 2017. The Fighting Irish, playing in the ACC only because of the pandemic, snapped both streaks and sparked fans to storm the field in a celebration that most definitely did not meet the CDC’s social-distancing guidelines.

The lack of social distance lit up Twitter. St. Joseph Co. Deputy Health Officer Dr. Mark Fox tweeted, "Approve of the win, but this is concerning. At least there are masks and all undergrads were tested this week!"

Clemson played without their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. 

Notre Dame kept their home game winning streak alive, making it 23 straight wins at home. 

PREVIOUS POST:

The latest ACC showdown between No. 1 Clemson and No. 4 Notre Dame tops the conference weekend schedule with implications far beyond Saturday. The winner has the upper hand on reaching the conference championship, playing for a title and advancing to the College Football Playoff. The loser is not out of the chase, but certainly has work to do. The ACC's only one-loss team in No. 11 Miami plays at North Carolina State on Saturday night. Virginia Tech could have a challenge on its hands when it hosts newly ranked No. 25 Liberty.

In what could be the first of several meetings between the two this season, the winner puts itself in the driver’s seat for a berth in the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. Even with Trevor Lawrence sidelined by COVID-19, the Tigers rallied from 18-points down to beat Boston College 34-28 behind true freshman D.J. Uiagalelei. The Irish’s 22-game home winning streak is tied for second among active streaks behind Clemson’s 27.

The defense for No. 4 Notre Dame has been solid all season during a 6-0 start. It is about to face its biggest challenge. The Tigers even without star quarterback Trevor Lawrence are still averaging 46.1 points per game. Notre Dame is allowing just over 10 points per game, but will be tested by Clemson through the air and on the ground. The Tigers have top running back Travis Etienne.
 

Gemma DiCarlo came to Indiana by way of Athens, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a degree in Journalism and certificates in New Media and Sustainability. She has radio experience from her time as associate producer of Athens News Matters, the flagship public affairs program at WUGA-FM.
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