Cluster of COVID-19 cases discovered in residence hall, USU case count at 291
Utah State University tested all students living in the Living Learning Center residence hall on campus after a cluster of COVID-19 cases was discovered.
After several days of testing, USU added over a dozen on-campus cases to its count. There are now 70 active on-campus cases of COVID-19 at USU.
Testing, done by Bear River Health Department and the Utah Department of Health, started on Monday and finished up today.
Residents were able to get tested directly outside of the LLC, said Amanda DeRito, director of crisis communications and issues management.
DeRito said the university was made aware of the cases before the weekend through USU’s COVID-19 questionnaire, testing done at Maverick Stadium and wastewater monitoring.
Only some of the LLC residents were asked to quarantine, DeRito said.
“We asked a certain group of students, those who lived on the same floor as a positive case, to restrict their movements on Sunday evening,” she said. “We’re working to clear, suite by suite, if the suitemates are all negative. If there’s a positive, then the suitemates have to quarantine for 14 days.”
The rest of the LLC residents have not been asked to restrict their activities. DeRito said they’re being tested as a precaution to see if there are any more positives.
Abiela Meek, a USU sophomore living at the LLC, was tested on Monday. She said she hasn’t been in contact with the residents who have tested positive, but has to quarantine since they live on her floor.
“I think it’s really great that USU is testing everyone and I’m glad we have the resources to do it,” she said. “I’m a little worried with the high case counts in my area, but I’m feeling pretty confident because Utah State has done a really good job of isolating the cases.”
Meek said she’d rather be outside than quarantining, but is glad to do it to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Meek’s freshman roommate Lizzie Kubista was also tested on Monday
“I think it’s good everyone is being tested,” she said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Kubista said she’s not worried about the cases in her building.
“I think I do a good job of paying attention to who I am with and watching my hands and wearing a mask,” she said.
DeRito said USU is encouraging students to continue wearing face masks and social distancing, as well as staying home when ill.
“It’s important that we’re all doing those things even when we’re not on campus,” she said. “These LLC cases illustrate how fast it can spread if we’re not being careful. Anything you can do to lower your risk is really important.”
@harriskarcin