This page will be regularly updated with information on how the University and Charlottesville community is responding to COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. The Cavalier Daily is committed to thoroughly reporting on its effects and implications for everyone in our community.
Follow the total number of confirmed cases within the Virginia here and read about the University's Spring 2021 plan here.
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Last updated October 22
The number of daily average new cases has remained below 10 since the week of Oct. 11.
The size limit on gatherings was originally five people, but the University raised it to 10 as of Oct. 13.
A total of 5,041 tests were administered within the University community last week with 51 tests producing positive results for a positivity rate of 1.01 percent.
Out of 985 tests administered between Oct. 19 and Oct. 25, Virginia Athletics reported Monday that two student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19.
The University recommends students get a flu shot by the end of October.
Despite COVID-19 protocols for the daily use of disposable masks, to-go containers and cleaning supplies, the University is producing half as much trash as in the fall of 2019.
As the semester progresses, COVID-19 protocols and safety procedures have been frequently updated to ensure students’ and faculty members’ safety on Grounds.
The University has constructed nine tents throughout Grounds at various locations, costing approximately $650,000.
The instructional format of the Spring semester will “largely mirror” the current semester, the University stated in its weekly Return to Grounds update. All courses — with the exception of a few labs and practicums — will include an online component.
With recruitment events held online, presidents and recruitment chairs are struggling with learning new technology, generating excitement about Greek life, and conveying safety guidelines from the ISC and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to members and potential new members.
While the University would prefer people gathering outside to inside, student behavior sometimes does not align with administrative expectations.
According to the dashboard, there were an average of seven cases per day last week, including the newly reported positive test results from the weekend.
Normally all first-years are required to live in on-Grounds residences, but this semester 74 percent of the first-year class chose to live on Grounds, with others choosing to stay at home or take a gap year given the unusual circumstances.
According to University physicians, there are risks associated with using dexamethasone to treat mild COVID-19 cases and that it should mainly be reserved for those with severe cases as the steroid can cause the immune system to overwork, which can be fatal.
Since Aug. 17, 1,019 members of the University community have tested positive for COVID-19.
Not only could colder weather perpetuate the virus by increasing indoor congregation and naturally weakening the immune system, but identical viral symptoms seen in COVID-19 and influenza may cause confusion in diagnoses.
Reaching successful infection control is heavily dependent on the compliance of students with procedures. These procedures include informing staff about contact, promptly testing for the virus and agreeing to quarantine or isolate if requested.
Beyond college football’s financial importance to most athletics departments, the lucrative sport is also a major economic driver for college towns across the country.
Fans are undoubtedly experiencing a sports season like never before, and it seems like everyone is reacting to it differently.
In the midst of a semester altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, students may find their mental health changing due to a combination of school and pandemic-related stressors.
