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What happened at the University of Illinois? Earlier today, the university announced a "mini lockdown" for two weeks, calling on all students to significantly restrict in-person activities, in response to a spike in cases. Short thread here:
https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/6367/1191139226
https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/6367/1191139226
The University of Illinois has been known for its saliva testing, which it conducts on all students twice per week. This is one of the most sound testing protocols in the nation and for the most part has been able to filter out potential outbreaks. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-covid-19-saliva-tests-university-of-illinois-20200827-asst6cyxjjg2lpdnjhunzwjlbe-story.html
However, today's news underscores the fact that testing is merely part of a holistic Covid-19 response plan and must be combined with other NPIs (social distancing, cancelling large gatherings, masking, etc.). @CT_Bergstrom observes here. https://twitter.com/CT_Bergstrom/status/1301236246983798784
What happened? From @TheDailyIllini:
"Last weekend alone, the University responded to over 100 calls concerning on-campus parties. The Phi Kappa Phi fraternity is on interim suspension after hosting a large party over the weekend." https://dailyillini.com/news/2020/09/02/university-ramps-up-covid-19-discipline-after-rise-in-campus-positivity-rate/
"Last weekend alone, the University responded to over 100 calls concerning on-campus parties. The Phi Kappa Phi fraternity is on interim suspension after hosting a large party over the weekend." https://dailyillini.com/news/2020/09/02/university-ramps-up-covid-19-discipline-after-rise-in-campus-positivity-rate/
Additionally, from the university: "Individuals who ignored Champaign-Urbana Public Health District guidance to isolate when they tested positive and to quarantine after they had been in contact with someone who tested positive."
Playing the blame game: "We believe the damage done by these individuals can be reversed. But it must be done quickly.…It will require those of you who have been working so hard this semester to shoulder even more responsibility in these next two weeks."
https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/1405637420.html
https://massmail.illinois.edu/massmail/1405637420.html
Reporting from @ElyssaCherney, @KelliSmithNews and @dwallacetrib here: https://twitter.com/ElyssaCherney/status/1301244808514723842
The U. of Illinois is at a crossroads and could pioneer a new form of outbreak response which I believe may work: mini-lockdowns until case numbers are under control. This will prevent spread from students evacuating to their home communities. We'll be watching this closely.
But what did we learn? Testing is a huge boost to any college reopening plan but must not be used as a panacea. It will take modifications of student behavior and other NPIs to truly control outbreaks and keep case numbers as low as possible. Will continue to monitor.
One additional @ElyssaCherney reporting nugget here: "There's been more than 400 new COVID-19 cases since students returned. If the numbers continue to grow at this rate, there will be 8,000 by the end of the semester!!" https://twitter.com/ElyssaCherney/status/1301239624443064320
