BC Reports 59 New Undergraduate Cases of COVID-19

The University reported 59 undergraduate cases of COVID-19 out of 6,579 tests this past week, a positivity rate of .90 percent, according to a Monday update to the Boston College Forward website.

BC also reported three non-undergraduate cases of COVID-19 out of 1,426 tests, a positivity rate of .21 percent. 

The update reflects an increase in cases from the first week of the semester, when nine undergraduate students tested positive out of 3,524 tests, a positivity rate of .26 percent. Another 31 undergraduate cases were reported out of 8,723 tests during pre-semester testing, a positivity rate of .36 percent.

The cumulative positivity rate of both undergraduate and non-undergraduate tests since the start of pre-semester testing is .415 percent, according to the update. 

“As with most universities, Boston College experienced an increase in positive COVID-19 cases last week following Labor Day weekend,” reads a University statement to The Heights. “At 0.41 percent, the University’s positivity rate remains well below state and local averages.”

The positivity rate at colleges and universities across the state is lower than the Commonwealth’s non-university average of 4.16 percent, according to The Boston Globe. The City of Newton’s positivity rate as of Sept. 4 is .90 percent, while Boston’s is 9.5 percent as of Sept. 7.

BC’s statement also encouraged students to continue to exercise caution while socializing.

“Nonetheless, it is imperative that students make good choices in their social activities, and avoid large indoor public gatherings—particularly in restaurants, bars, and clubs—that have led to an increase in positive cases at colleges across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the nation,” the statement reads.

From Sept. 6 to Sept. 11, Boston University reported 59 undergraduate cases, and Harvard University reported 10 undergraduate cases. In the past 7 days, Tufts University reported 12 undergraduate positives on its Medford campus, according to its COVID-19 dashboard.

Sixty-four undergraduates remain in isolation as of Monday—with 26 in isolation housing and 38 recovering at home. Thirty-five undergraduates have recovered so far this academic year, according to the update.

Featured Image by Sarah West / For the Heights