Viral video shows huge gathering of students near Georgia university campus

A video of a packed gathering of University of North Georgia students at a party on the day before school starts back has gone viral.

The video posted to Georgia followers shows a huge gathering in Dahlonega and appears to show few of the students wearing masks or taking other precautions against COVID-19.

School officials said in a statement to Channel 2 Action News Sunday that they are aware of a large outdoor party that was held at a privately-owned, off-campus apartment complex near the campus. They didn't identify which complex.

"We are disappointed that many of our students chose to ignore COVID-19 public health guidance by congregating in a large group without social distancing or face coverings," a school spokesperson said. "The University of North Georgia continues to emphasize to our students and university community that everyone has an individual responsibility both on and off campus to follow guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health and the CDC to prevent the spread of the virus."

The first full day of classes at UNG are Monday.

The video comes as several metro Atlanta school districts have had to shut down in-person instruction due to rising numbers of coronavirus cases.

The Cherokee County School District has had to shut down three high schools as thousands of students are quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID-19.

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