Hope College, in consultation with officials from the Ottawa County Health Department, have extended the closure of the college until at least 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, because of a growing outbreak of a Noro-like-virus within the college community.

The Health Department on Friday issued the emergency order because the highly contagious illness at that time was known to have impacted more than 100 students, faculty and staff. The original closing order had been until at least 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Ongoing reports to the college and health department over the weekend have raised the number suspected cases to an estimated 400 students, faculty and staff.

Many of the reports are coming from students who chose to leave campus when the order was issued on Friday and are now ill. Students who have become infected while away from the campus are being advised to not return until they receive permission from college officials.

All college buildings remain closed except to essential employees and those students who have remained on campus.

All college events through at least Tuesday have been cancelled. This includes practices by the college's athletic teams.

The next update can be expected at mid-day on Monday.