For Immediate Release
UA System Releases Final COVID-19 Dashboard for Fall 2020 Semester — Reporting to Resume in January when Spring Semester Begins at UA, UAB, and UAH
The University of Alabama System reported minimal increases in positive COVID testing among students on the three campuses this week.
The dashboard published today indicates 189 total student positive cases for the week of November 13-19, which saw record testing Systemwide. There were 9 positive diagnoses among students, faculty and staff who participated in the System’s sentinel testing program.
Of the 17,500 clinical enterprise employees in the UAB Health System, the number of positive tests decreased 11% week over week. With 700+ beds available for COVID-positive students needing isolation space, the occupancy rate for the past week is less than 1%.
The UA System campuses continue receiving positive feedback for the exit testing program offered to students prior to their return home for the holidays and winter break. At UA, nearly 2,000 students participated in exit COVID tests as of Thursday, November 19.
University of Alabama System Chancellor Finis St. John commended the work of the UA System Health and Safety Task Force for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan that enabled the three campuses to remain open.
“We knew from the outset of the global pandemic that the world-renowned medical expertise in the UAB Health System would be the most valuable resource any university could hope for in helping keep our students, faculty and staff safe. They have met and far surpassed our expectations,” St. John said today.
In addition to expressing appreciation to the Board of Trustees, he thanked Dr. Selwyn Vickers and Katie Osburne, who co-chaired the Task Force, along with Charlie Taylor who has coordinated daily operations of the Task Force.
“We are finalizing the updated plan for Spring and much work remains to be done, but we are pleased with the outcome of this Fall semester and the enormous sacrifices our students, faculty, staff and families have made. On behalf of our Board and leadership team, I want to express my heartfelt thanks,” St. John said.
