Boston College has experienced an increase in COVID-19 positive cases this week (November 16-22), reflecting trends at colleges and universities throughout the region and cities and towns nationwide.
Through Wednesday November 18, University Health Services has reported 31 positive cases (30 undergrads) out of 4,850 tests conducted for a weekly positivity rate of 0.63%. The Massachusetts weekly positivity rate stands at 3.3%.
Currently, there are 56 BC undergraduates in isolation—43 in University isolation housing and 13 recovering at home. A total of 249 undergraduates have recovered and returned to normal activities.
Since testing began on August 16, University Health Services has conducted 103,051 tests of BC community members with a total of 321 positive cases reported. Among undergrads, UHS has conducted 76,305 tests with 305 positives. The University’s cumulative positivity rate stands at 0.31%.
By comparison, Boston University has reported 373 total positive cases, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 345 cases, and Northeastern University 284. Providence College has reported 317 cases, and the University of Notre Dame 1,663.
University Health Services is testing all undergraduates this week in advance of Thanksgiving travel. In the Thanksgiving Travel Survey issued to students, roughly half of the BC undergraduate population stated their intention to return to their home state for Thanksgiving and remain there for the remainder of the fall semester while taking their classes and final exams remotely. Those choosing to stay at Boston College or elsewhere within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts during Thanksgiving break may complete the semester on campus.
As reported, all campus residence halls will close for the semester on the last day of exams, scheduled for December 21, and will reopen at the start of the second semester on 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 19, 2020