March 29, 2024
Coronavirus | Daily Chronicle


Coronavirus

Three new coronavirus cases reported at NIU on Wednesday as downward trend continues

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Northern Illinois University announced three new case of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, continuing a downward trend at the school.

Since Sept. 26, 12 cases have been reported - 14 cases were reported on Sept. 25 alone.

Two of the cases Wednesday were in students and one was an employee. There have now been 285 total cases, with 11 in employees and 284 in students.

The school announced eight more recoveries on Tuesday, all in students. There have been 209 total recoveries

Quarantine and isolation usage rose to 25.4%, according to university data.

In surveillance testing results from last week announced Monday, 33 students tested positive from among 658 tested, a 5% positivity rate in the program's fourth week, continuing the pattern of the positivity rate doubling nearly each week - from 0.4% in Week 1 to 1.3% in Week 2 to 2.7% in Week 3.

President Lisa Freeman called for a two-week pause to in-person classes Sept. 11 amid a surge in coronavirus cases connected to campus. She had cited large gatherings and parties as the main source of transmission of the novel coronavirus. The decision was made the same day the Illinois Department of Public Health designated DeKalb County as a warning zone because of a case surge. Classes resumed Sept. 28.

The university first welcomed students back to campus Aug. 19, and classes began Aug. 24. Students living on campus were required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test before moving in.

According to the school, a 14-day quarantine begins after individuals first show signs of symptoms, not when they receive a positive test for the virus. A case is considered recovered after the 14-day period is over.

Although specific surveillance testing results will be reported weekly on Mondays, positive tests produced from the program will be included in daily statistics. The surveillance testing will continue while the undergraduate courses remain online.

Daily COVID-19 case data from the DeKalb County Health Department may not reflect daily data from NIU because some students or employees may live outside the county and still test positive for the virus.

NIU staff are encouraged to get tested at state testing sites or through their health care provider on their own. Students living off campus in Greek housing and otherwise also are not required to be tested, although anyone experiencing symptoms is asked to remain at home.

Students living on campus paid a $7.90-a-credit-hour health fee at the beginning of the semester, which covers the nasal swab testing services at Northwestern Medicine Student Health Center in the Health Services Building on campus.