After a rise in community and student COVID-19 cases, with 393 active positive cases as of Feb. 18, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has declared a “high risk” operational level, implementing the most restrictive measures outlined in the university’s virus safety protocols. At the Feb. 8 Amherst Town Council meeting, representatives of the administration announced that the university would implement measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including transitioning to entirely online classes, canceling athletic practices and competitions and instituting a self-isolation order for the student body.