Of 627 tests conducted between Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 20, 55 returned positive on Saturday, Towson said. This corresponds to a positivity figure of 8.8%, above the generally recommended guideline of 5% or lower.
Among all the tests taken over the past two weeks, Towson’s positivity rate is 1.63%, the university said.
Towson requires a negative test for all students, faculty, staff and contract workers before coming to campus. None of the 55 people who tested positive are currently on campus, the university said.
Seen the positive tests, the university moved all classes online through August 30, canceled personal activities on campus and temporarily relocated for residential students.
“The temporary move to full distance learning is critical to the continued health and safety of our community, which remains the top priority of the TU. These actions are taken out of caution and care for all students, faculties and staff,” he said. the university.
Towson is one of a number of colleges and universities across the country that have seen a significant number of cases of coronavirus since their campuses reopened for the fall semester. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Notre Dame, North Carolina State University are just a few of the schools, spanning at least 19 states, that have seen similar outbreaks.
Health experts say Covid-19 is spreading rapidly among people in dorms, bars and other crowded areas, especially among those who do not wear a mask or like at least 6 feet from others.
