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February 26, 2021
The number of COVID-19 cases at the University of Wyoming in the spring semester so far is significantly lower than in the fall semester, along with a downward trend in cases in the state and the nation.
Of the 1,994 cases reported among UW employees and students since the start of the pandemic, 179 have been reported so far this calendar year. And, although UW continued a rigorous testing program this semester, the positivity rate in the first five weeks was significantly lower than the same period in the fall semester.
For example, while the sample prevalence fell from 0.34% in the first week of the fall semester to 0.85% in the fifth week, it fell from 0.34% in the first week of the spring semester. at 0.07% the fifth week.
As of Thursday, the number of active cases stood at six – two students on campus and four students off campus. The number of people in 14-day quarantine due to exposure to the virus is 15 to 12 students on campus and three students and employees off campus.
“This is a radical and positive change, and I want to thank the entire UW family for coming together to help make our community safer – both those who participate responsibly in testing and those who are working around the clock to manage the process, ”UW Says President Ed Seidel. “We know that our demands on testing, physical distancing, wearing masks and avoiding large gatherings have consumed a large part of our community. But our students, faculty, and staff have shown a true UW Cowboy spirit in complying, and these measures have helped us get to where we are today.
The UW surveillance program, one of the most innovative in the country, performed a total of 116,153 tests, with 1,277 positive results, for a prevalence rate of 1.11%. So far this month, however, there have only been 60 positives among 29,325 tests, for a prevalence rate of 0.20%.
Public health experts say continued compliance with COVID-19 requirements and guidelines is essential for the trend to continue.
“Now is not the time to let our guard down,” says Seidel. “The virus is still here, and we could see a resurgence if we conclude this battle is over and stop doing what we are doing.”
UW plans a fall semester 2021 with more in-person experiences and fewer COVID-19 restrictions, depending on vaccine availability and acceptance, as well as continued downward trends in the number of infections.
As part of the plan, UW faculty and staff should have access to the vaccine at least six weeks before the scheduled August 23 start of the fall semester so that the semester continues with face-to-face classes. facing maximum capacity. , face-to-face student engagement programs, in-person athletic experiences and more. In addition, relaxation of Wyoming Department of Health rules and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding gatherings and classroom capacity will be needed. The efficacy and acceptance of vaccines – at this stage, at least 70% of UW community members will need to be vaccinated to achieve the necessary levels of immunity – will also be considered, as will the numbers of infections in the COVID-19.
University leaders expect to have enough information on these issues in early June to make a final decision on the approach of the fall semester.
UW is working with Albany County Public Health and Ivinson Memorial Hospital to administer vaccines to county residents who are in categories 4-6 of the Phase 1b priority schedule in the Department of Health distribution guidelines of Wyoming. It is not yet known when Albany County will begin Phase 1c, but UW faculty and staff, as well as college dorm students, will fall under this phase. All students will be encouraged to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, based on their current location.
More information on UW’s COVID-19 response can be found at www.uwyo.edu/campus-return, which is updated as more information becomes available. Those with questions about testing and other COVID-19 issues can call (307) 766-COVD (2683) or email [email protected].
Questions regarding the vaccine specifically should be emailed to [email protected]. A UW vaccine webpage has been created at www.uwyo.edu/alerts/campus-return/vaccination.
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