University Health Services reported a total of 19 positive cases to close out the 15th week of testing (December 7-13) including 12 undergrads, out of 8,008 tests conducted. The University’s weekly community positivity rate stands at 0.23%. The state’s weekly community positivity rate is 5.9%.
Currently, there are 27 BC undergraduates in isolation—12 in University isolation housing and 15 recovering at home. A total of 401 undergraduates have recovered and returned to normal activities.
Since testing began on August 16, University Health Services has conducted 132,893 tests of BC community members with 461 positive cases reported. Among undergrads, UHS has conducted 98,537 tests with 428 positives. The University’s cumulative positivity rate is 0.34%.
By comparison, Boston University has reported 640 positive cases, Northeastern University 514, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 514, and the University of Notre Dame 1,837.
The Boston Herald reported today on the post-Thanksgiving spike in cases at Boston University and Northeastern, stating that 100 BU students are currently in isolation and that the school has reported at least 18 student positive cases on six of the last nine days. Northeastern, The Herald reported, currently has 105 students in isolation and has had 129 positive tests since the Thanksgiving break.
In a letter to the BC community issued on December 10, Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead and Provost and Dean of Faculties David Quigley expressed gratitude for the extraordinary efforts of community members in guiding the University through a successful fall semester:
“Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, the University is on track to complete a successful on-campus, in-person fall semester. This is no small feat, and is the direct result of the hard work, cooperation, and dedication of the entire Boston College community – students, faculty, and staff. While there were many challenges along the way, our community has modeled understanding, resiliency, and a commitment to a common purpose. As we now move into the exam period and semester break, our collective efforts have helped our community to remain healthy and safe. We are grateful for the contributions made by so many.”
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 | December 11, 2020