BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced a partnership with Buffalo State College and the University at Buffalo to encourage off-campus students to follow COVID-19 protocols which include wearing a mask in public and avoiding large crowds.
“What we have observed at other college campuses around the nation highlights the importance of being proactive and having a plan in place to engage with residents, students and landlords so everyone understands the critical role we all play in keeping ourselves and our neighbors safe during this pandemic," said Brown.
For off-campus UB students officials will go door-to-door in the University Heights neighborhood starting this weekend to:
- Ensure students that are renting are safe.
- Check that only the number of allowable students are residing in the houses.
- Drop off information and materials advising students of the safety measures in place.
- Answer any questions students may have.
For off-campus Buffalo State students officials will:
- Work with management at off-campus student housing developments to provide educational materials regarding social distancing and masking, as well as stressing the need to limit large gatherings in their facilities.
- Provide materials directly to commuter students at an upcoming commuter drive-through event where students will pick up PPE and other information about the upcoming semester.
A release from the mayor's office says further inspection activities will be scheduled and Buffalo police can issue fines for those who violate the city's ordinance for large parties.
"Further inspection activities will be scheduled, and the Buffalo Police Department will issue tickets with fines of up to $1,500 for students who violate the City’s ordinances for large parties. The fine is another enforcement tool that, in combination with other disciplinary measures from the school, will act as a further deterrence against unsafe behaviors that place everyone at risk."
