Photo by Catherine D’Agostino Numerous area residents made their way to the Dunkirk testing site from Saturday through Wednesday on Brigham Road.

Law enforcement has joined in the effort to reach out to State University of New York at Fredonia students regarding the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the north county.

Both Phil Maslak, Fredonia police chief, and Brent Isaccson, University Police chief, admit they are “troubled by recent reports of students gathering in violation of social distancing mandates.”

Sent by email on Thursday to the campus student body and staff, the chiefs voice their commitment to keeping the students safe — on and off campus.

“You, the students of SUNY Fredonia, are an integral part of our community, and we care deeply about your success,” the chiefs said. “Our agencies have a long history of working collaboratively, and we continue to do so, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Both also praised the use of facial coverings and social distancing by a number of those attending the university. But not everyone, they say, is being as vigilant as possible. “We have also seen how disregarding those mandates has been closely correlated to a large increase in COVID-positive cases among our students.”

Through Thursday morning, there had been 43 COVID-19 cases at the university. Six involve those on campus, while 36 involve those who are off campus. In addition, there has been one recovery and three negative tests.

Both departments said they will work to identify those who put our community’s health at risk by hosting or attending gatherings which violate health mandates. “Such identifying information often comes from our police officers at a scene, video footage, social media reviews, anonymous tips, and other police investigations,” Maslak and Issacson said. “Our police departments will share this information with the Office of Student Conduct at SUNY Fredonia for possible disciplinary proceedings.

The letter also notes those wishing to provide information about unsafe gatherings may call Fredonia Police at 679-1531, University Police at 673-3333, or use the University Police Silent Witness webpage, found at www.fredonia.edu/about/offices/university-police/silent-witness.

SUNY Fredonia students returned to campus beginning around Aug. 15. Classes began on Aug. 24.

Before this e-mail, previous letters have been sent by the administration and county Health Department as well as the mayors of Dunkirk and Fredonia.