NewsCoronavirus

Actions

University of Tampa tops 216 COVID-19 cases in students since classes started in August

Posted at 5:37 AM, Sep 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-22 07:43:31-04

TAMPA, Fla. — At least 216 University of Tampa students have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the fall semester, the school says.

Last week alone there were 105 reported cases.

The school says 98 students have recovered so far.

Officials say these cases have been mild to moderate and there have been no reported hospitalizations due to the virus.

The UT Emergency Operations Team say it’s continuing to monitor COVID-19 and review strategies to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

While the university strongly encourages self-reporting, officials may not be aware of all cases on campus.

The school recently updated its quarantine policy for students.

For students who need to quarantine on campus, there are specially reserved spaces at Urso Hall and The Barrymore Hotel.

However, UT says there are many instances where students are able to isolate in their own dorm room.

Officials say this is preferable for the wellbeing of infected students.

The school claims this doesn’t bring any additional health risk to other students on the floor or in the residence hall.

According to UT, students in isolation have access to private bathrooms and receive medical guidance.

In terms of air ventilation, UT says fresh air is being supplied to each individual room and that air is not transferred back and forth between rooms.

School leaders say the Department of Health recommends students in quarantine have access to fresh air daily and they have designated a time of day for those students to be outdoors with proper personal protective equipment.

UT says it’s also increasing sanitation schedules for all residence halls.