COLUMBIA, Mo. — With more than 1,300 of its students infected with the coronavirus, the University of Missouri in Columbia has expelled two students and suspended three others for violating rules meant to slow the virus’ spread.

The university said Tuesday that the sanctions were necessary because of flagrant violations of rules and regulations that require students who test positive for the COVID-19 virus to isolate themselves and comply with social distancing requirements. Names of the students were not released.

University System President and MU Chancellor Mun Choi says the discipline was necessary because the students “willfully put others at risk, and that is never acceptable.”

Since the semester began, the university says that about 470 students have been referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Accountability for possible violations of COVID-19 policies. Eleven student organizations also are under investigation.