U of I coronavirus cases continue to increase

The University of Idaho reported another 116 new coronavirus cases on campus last week.

The outbreak still seems to be centered on fraternity and sorority houses.

“The live-in Greek chapters continue to be the primary source of the positives and (four times) more infected than other students living on campus,” the U of I said on its coronavirus website Monday. “There is little to no infection across the off-campus students and employees.”

The latest numbers cover tests completed through Friday.

A week ago, the U of I reported 67 new cases.

While the case numbers continued to climb last week, the university’s positive test rate dropped from about 12 percent to about 8 percent. That’s still higher than a 5 percent positive test rate — which health experts consider a sign of adequate testing. In the past week, however, the U of I expanded its testing from Greek houses to surveillance testing of the university community.

The U of I is continuing face-to-face instruction, but has given professors the option of moving classes online, the U of I Argonaut reported Friday.

 

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 35 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. He can be reached at [email protected]

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