With Thanksgiving break just over two weeks away, Boston College continues to show good progress in its efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus on campus.
In its 13th week of testing (November 9-15), University Health Services has reported three positive cases (including two undergrads) out of 1,871 tests conducted through November 10. Currently, there are 14 BC undergraduates in isolation—12 in University isolation housing and two recovering at home. A total of 240 undergraduates have recovered and returned to normal activities.
Last week (November 2-8), UHS reported 14 positive COVID-19 cases (including 12 undergraduates) out of 9,268 tests conducted, resulting in a community positivity rate of 0.15 percent. The Massachusetts weekly positivity rate stands at 2.3 percent.
Since testing began on August 16, University Health Services has conducted 90,368 tests of BC community members with a total of 268 positive cases reported. Among undergrads, UHS has conducted 66,212 tests with 254 positives. The University’s cumulative positivity rate stands at 0.29 percent. By comparison, Boston University has the highest number of cases among colleges and universities in the state with 313 total positive cases. University of Massachusetts-Amherst has reported 253 cases, and Northeastern University 224. Providence College has reported 274 cases, and the University of Notre Dame 1,416.
November 13 is the deadline by which students living on campus must inform the Office of Residential Life if they have chosen to return to their homes outside of Massachusetts for Thanksgiving. Those who do so will complete their courses and finals remotely from home, as will students living in off-campus apartments who opt to leave Massachusetts for the break, and will not be able to return to campus until the start of the spring semester.
Students who remain at BC or elsewhere in Massachusetts during Thanksgiving break will be able to finish the semester on campus. They must also register with Residential Life to continue their access to campus facilities and services.
Starting Monday, November 16, the University will test all undergraduates in advance of Thanksgiving travel.
Campus residence halls will close on the last day of exams, currently scheduled for December 21, and will reopen at the start of the second semester, January 28. All students, faculty, and staff who plan to be on campus during the spring semester must be tested before classes resume.
—University Communications | November 10, 2020