Coronavirus Cases Surge At CU Boulder, Chancellor Issues Plea

Boulder CO

15 September, 2020

12:30 PM

Description

BOULDER, CO — The University of Colorado Boulder has reported a spike in coronavirus cases. Since Aug. 24, 308 cases have been confirmed, officials said. In the first week of September, the case number more than doubled — from 90 to 205. CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano and Dan Jones, the associate vice chancellor for integrity, safety and compliance, issued a joint letter to the campus community Tuesday. "We are writing with an update and an urgent request. We need to stop the recent rise in positive COVID-19 cases immediately by wearing face coverings, avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, practicing physical distancing and staying home when experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms," the letter read. "We're working with our partners in the city, county and state to identify even more interventions that will stop the surge of COVID-19 cases in Boulder." Of the 308 confirmed cases, 29 percent are among on-campus residents and 71 percent are among those living off campus, university officials said. "As the majority of our cases are off campus, we are collaborating closely with our partners in the city, county and state to discuss options," the letter read. "We expect we will soon deploy new testing strategies and additional measures in an effort to change the behaviors contributing to the increase." Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Boulder: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter Anyone who hosts or attends a gathering that doesn't adhere to public health guidelines — on or off campus — faces probation, sanctions and even suspension, officials warned. In their joint letter, DiStefano and Jones said "compliance must improve immediately." "The national discourse has centered around whether colleges can meet this moment and if students can rise to the challenge," their letter read. "We know how. It requires compliance with public health guidance. And we believe we can do it. If we do not, the CU community may become subject to further county and state public health directives." The state has seen a small uptick in cases over the past two weeks, which is partly due to college students returning to campuses, Gov. Jared Polis said in a news conference Tuesday. "The worry is that the college transmission leads to community transmission," Polis said. Boulder County Public Health is urging every student "to quarantine in their Boulder home or residence hall for 14 days," officials said in a notice released Tuesday afternoon. "Individuals should not leave their residence unless it is for work, class, or getting food to take care of children or parents, or medical attention (including to get tested) that cannot be provided remotely." The university said it's supporting the measure. "We are cooperating fully with Boulder County Public Health for the health and safety of everyone in our community," DiStefano said in a statement. "The next several days are critical for us to avoid more stringent restrictions on our campus operations. We need more students to do their part and follow public health guidelines at this important moment." Boulder County Public Health has also partnered with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to bring a free walk-up testing site to Boulder, beginning Wednesday, and a drive-thru site in the "very near future," officials said. Any Boulder County resident or CU student who is interested in being tested is encouraged to visit the testing site. An appointment is not required, there is no cost for the test and residents do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested, officials said. Residents should bring a form of identification in order to ensure test results are accurately recorded. Full details, including hours and location are available here.