x
Breaking News
More () »

UC Davis clears fraternity accused of breaking coronavirus guidelines | Updates

UC Davis officials initially said the fraternity party, had up to 20 people attending, broke both university's and county's quarantine guidelines.

DAVIS, Calif. — Nov. 26, 2020 update:

UC Davis Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs said that it could not find evidence that a gathering occurred.

UC Davis Chancellor Gary May apologized to the fraternity in a statement.

“I want to express my appreciation for the Theta Chi students for helping with this investigation,”  May said. “I know they feel unfairly targeted, and I apologize on behalf of the university for causing discomfort and embarrassment."

RELATED: 'Not sufficient' evidence against UC Davis fraternity accused of breaking COVID-19 rules

6:13 p.m. update:

The Theta Chi Fraternity president is speaking out after UC Davis officials announced a member of the organization tested positive for the coronavirus. 

Theta Chi Fraternity President Grant Hoffman tells ABC10 a gathering didn't take place and he is shocked at the allegations.

Hoffman said the fraternity could appeal the university's allegations at a hearing on Monday.  

Original story: 

A UC Davis student tested positive for the coronavirus on Nov. 12 university officials said.

UC Davis officials said the student is a member of Theta Chi under quarantine at their parent's home as Yolo County and the university conducted contact tracing. 

University officials said the same fraternity held a party that had from 10 to 20 attendees the same day the student tested positive. It's not clear if the student tested positive were at the same gathering.

Officials said the party violates both the university's and county's quarantine guidelines. Professional cleaners were hired to have clean the house.

There are 10 students who live in the Theta Chi Fraternity house, which is off-campus. Nine students were ordered to move into quarantine designated apartments on campus the following day. 

One student is completing his quarantine at the fraternity house so that he could take care of the pets. It is not clear if the student tested positive lives in the fraternity house.

Yolo County Public Health Chancellor Gary S. May said he is disappointed in learning the students violating health guidelines. 

"I urge everyone in our community to follow public health guidelines and mandates," May said. "Including wearing face coverings, socially distancing from one another and washing your hands frequently." 

UC Davis students who think they have were exposed to the coronavirus should call 530-752-2349.

WATCH MORE: UC Davis test can detect both COVID-19 and the flu in 20 minutes

Before You Leave, Check This Out