Boston College reported its third-highest number of undergraduate cases of COVID-19 of the semester last week, with 72 undergrads testing positive out of 9,641 tests, a positivity rate of 0.75 percent, according to the University’s COVID-19 dashboard.
The University also reported that 100 undergraduates were in isolation as of Friday, with 32 in isolation housing and 68 isolating at home. There are 76 students in isolation as of Monday, with 33 students in isolation housing and 43 isolating at home.
The last time BC’s total undergraduate cases exceeded 60 was the third week of the semester, when the University reported 77 cases out of 10,791 tests, a positivity rate of .71 percent. BC’s isolation numbers reached a record-high of 139 students on Feb. 17.
The latest uptick came right before a three-day Easter holiday weekend. The Heights has received reports that many students traveled off-campus, throughout Massachusetts, and throughout the country, despite the University encouraging students not to travel.
“I know that Easter is a special time for many families to recognize the most solemn yet joyful season in the Catholic liturgical calendar,” wrote Tom Mogan, associate vice president for student engagement and formation, in an email to students on March 23. “I also recognize that the celebration of Passover is occurring for our Jewish colleagues and friends as well. Despite this, given ongoing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, we discourage student travel…”
The University also reported nine non-undergraduate positive cases of COVID-19 last week out of 2,650 tests, a positivity rate of .34 percent.
BC has reported 537 undergraduate cases of COVID-19 this semester, exceeding the fall’s tally of 436 cases. The total undergraduate cases throughout the academic year now stand at 977.
Featured Image by Madeleine Romance / Heights Editor
