University of Georgia COVID-19 cases declined significantly for the second straight week, a trend also seen in data from each of the state’s largest colleges and universities.
New cases at UGA dropped from 168 between Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 to 77 between Sept. 13 and Sept. 19, according to a weekly report posted on its website Wednesday morning. New cases at Georgia’s flagship university peaked at 515 two weeks ago.
Faculty members at several Georgia schools have questioned the accuracy of new case data. The schools note that some cases are self-reported by students and employees. Researchers have reported undercounts of confirmed cases nationwide.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening at some of Georgia’s largest colleges and universities, according to their online COVID-19 dashboards:
Georgia State University
Fall 2020 enrollment: 53,743
Mask/vaccine policy: As a University System of Georgia school, it strongly encourages students to get vaccinated and for everyone to wear masks indoors. Masks are required in some spaces, such as medical clinics and buses.
The latest: New cases declined from 157 between Aug. 28 and Sept. 3 to 110 between Sept. 4 through Sept. 10. Georgia State conducted 654 tests between Sept. 4 and Sept. 10, and there were 44 positive results, a 6.7% rate. The positive test rate declined 1 percentage point from the prior seven-day period.
Kennesaw State University
Fall 2020 enrollment: 41,181
Mask/vaccine policy: As a University System of Georgia school, it strongly encourages students to get vaccinated and for everyone to wear masks indoors. Masks are required in some spaces, such as medical clinics and buses.
The latest: The number of reported positive cases declined from 136 for Sept. 4 through Sept. 10, to 110 between Sept. 11 through Sept. 17.
Georgia Tech
Fall 2020 enrollment: 39,771
Mask/vaccine policy: As a University System of Georgia school, it strongly encourages students to get vaccinated and for everyone to wear masks indoors. Masks are required in some spaces, such as medical clinics and buses.
The latest: Georgia Tech reported 43 new cases between Sept. 12 and Sept. 18, less than half of the prior seven-day total of 117 new cases.
University of Georgia
Fall 2020 enrollment: 39,147
Mask/vaccine policy: As a University System of Georgia school, it strongly encourages students to get vaccinated and for everyone to wear masks indoors. Masks are required in some spaces, such as medical clinics and buses.
The latest: New positive cases dropped from 168 between Sept. 6 through Sept. 12 to 77 between Sept. 13 through Sept. 19.
Emory University
Fall 2020 enrollment: 14,233
Mask/vaccine policy: Students, faculty and employees must be vaccinated, unless they receive an exemption. Masks are required for everyone in indoor public and common spaces.
The latest: Emory reported 34 new cases between Sept. 14 and Sept. 20, a decline from the 111 new cases reported between Sept. 7 through Sept. 13.
Atlanta University Center (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Spelman College)
Fall 2020 enrollment: 8,810
Mask/vaccine policy: Students, faculty and employees must be vaccinated, unless they receive an exemption. Masks are required in nearly all indoor and outdoor spaces. The schools last week began required weekly testing.
The latest: The schools conducted 1,406 tests in a seven-day stretch that began Sept. 6 and reported 2 positive results. They conducted 1,225 tests the prior week and had 7 positive results. Their dashboard does not include self-reported cases.
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