ISU, IWU report more coronavirus cases

Posted on August 28, 2020
ISU students not experiencing symptoms can be tested at the old firehouse, 602 N. Adelaide St. or the quad between Schroeder and Edwards. Those with symptoms can be tested at student health services. (Twitter/Illinois State)

 

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – College students in Bloomington-Normal continue to test positive for COVID-19.

According to Illinois State University’s COVID case tracker, 512 students have tested positive on campus since Aug. 17, bringing the school’s seven-day positivity rate to 24%. The results include students who are asymptomatic, symptomatic, and student-athletes.

While about 80% of the university’s classes are online this semester, ISU President Larry Dietz said many students returned to town because of off-campus leases that were signed last fall.

Dietz said a majority of the cases have been students who live off-campus, but the school’s goal is to encourage and educate students about COVID safety. He added that off-campus landlords seem to be taking more preventative measures to discourage large gatherings.

Illinois Wesleyan University Friday reported 13 additional students have tested positive for the virus, bringing the total to 63.

Meanwhile, McLean County health officials reported 80 new COVID cases Friday. MCHD said, “ISU numbers are included in the County numbers. However, there can be different days when the results reach them or us. This accounts for the difference in numbers.”

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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