The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
COVID-19 cases spike at colleges in Georgia
COVID-19 cases have surged on some of Georgia’s largest public campuses, impacting nearby communities and leaving school leaders worried
about even more cases after the Labor Day holiday.
The University of Georgia reported 821 positive cases between Aug. 24-28 during its first full week of the fall semester. The number was four times higher than the prior five-day total of 189 cases. About one
half of the recent cases were self-reported by students and employees, which is required by the university.
UGA announced it is expand
ing its isolation housing for students who test positive. The school has set aside nearly 500
dedicated rooms on campus and in the local community for students who are showing
symptoms of, have tested positive for or have come in close contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.
UGA President Jere More
head called the increase “concerning.”
“Resist the temptation to organize or attend a large social gathering,” he advised students in a message Wednesday.
At Georgia Tech, which reported 544 positive cases in August, students who live with roommates are urged to live alone to slow the spread of the virus.
Georgia Tech President
Ángel Cabrera advised students not to travel. “I encourage you to find ways to stay connected — just a little farther apart,” Cabrera said.
Georgia College in Milledgeville and Georgia Southern in Statesboro each reported more than 500 positive cases in August.