DeKALB – Northern Illinois University reported five new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday as well as 10 new recoveries.
The cases represent three days of new cases, a much slower rate than the 24 new cases reported on Friday alone. That was the largest increase since 25 cases were reported on Sept. 23.
There have now been 376 positive tests on campus, and 325 have recovered. Seven employees and 44 students remain positive, as all five new cases were in students on Monday.
According to new surveillance testing results released Monday, 23 new cases were reported from the randomly selected students among 422 tests. The 5.5% positivity rate was the highest reported in the eight weeks the school has been doing surveillance testing.
The school’s quarantine and isolation use rose to 8.6%.
President Lisa Freeman called for a two-week pause to in-person classes Sept. 11 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases connected to campus. She had cited large gatherings and parties as the main source of transmission of COVID-19. The decision was made the same day the Illinois Department of Public Health designated DeKalb County as a warning zone because of a surge in cases. Classes resumed Sept. 28.
The university first welcomed students back to campus Aug. 19, and classes began Aug. 24. Students living on campus were required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test before moving in.
According to the school, a 14-day quarantine begins after individuals first show signs of symptoms, not when they receive a positive test for the virus. A case is considered recovered after the 14-day period is over.
Although specific surveillance testing results are reported weekly on Mondays, positive tests found through the program are included in daily statistics.
Daily COVID-19 case data from the DeKalb County Health Department may not reflect daily data from NIU because some students or employees may live outside the county and still test positive for the virus.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
Be First to Comment