Cases of COVID-19 at UGA jumped up after Thanksgiving for the week of November 30th to December 4th. 2130 asymptomatic tests were performed and 89 of them were positive, bringing the positivity rate up from 0.79% the previous week to a little over 4%.
An additional 86 positive cases were reported from the Health Center and other off-campus testing facilities, bringing the total to 175 new cases.
The state health department says there are more than 456-thousand total cases in Georgia and 9,073 deaths. In Clarke County there are 7,190 cases and 56 deaths.
Statement from Dr. Garth Russo, University Health Center Executive Director: "While the increase in positive cases last week is concerning, it is not unexpected. Both the total number and the positivity rate were driven by an increase in cases the first two days after the Thanksgiving holiday. Positivity rates then declined to levels consistent with rates prior to the holiday. Surveillance continues to be one of our strongest protections against the virus. We need to remain vigilant, so I urge all faculty, staff and students to continue to take advantage of the free surveillance testing we are offering for those with no symptoms of the virus. This service will be available at Legion Field on weekdays through December 23 and will resume on January 4."
