From Feb. 10 through Feb. 16, 229 students reported positive COVID-19 test results, a decline of about one-third from the previous week, according to a Feb. 18 Today@Brown announcement. Seven employees reported positive test results and 189 students were in isolation at the time of the announcement.
In the previous week, from Feb. 3 to 9, 361 students reported positive test results, The Herald previously reported.
In general, the decrease in cases is “encouraging,” but not enough to lead the University to make changes to masking restrictions or testing, said Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy Russell Carey ’91 MA’06.
Carey emphasized that individuals should continue to practice “good public health habits,” including hand-washing, mask wearing and self-isolating when experiencing symptoms. He added that these precautions are especially important in the context of the long weekend, during which many students may have traveled.
“It does create a dynamic where people who've been with largely one friend network for about a month now may change that pattern over the next several days,” Carey said. “People should be cautious about doing that.”
As of Feb. 19, new cases in Rhode Island have declined for the sixth consecutive week, according to COVID-19 response data from the Rhode Island Department of Health. New hospital admissions in the state have declined for five straight weeks.
For students who test positive, Carey referred to available University resources for those who may be unable to complete work because of illness.
As midterms approach for many courses, students with health-related or personal circumstances that hinder their ability to complete academic work may speak to deans in either the College or Student Support Services to receive a dean’s note, according to a Jan. 14 email sent to the Brown community. Students must speak with their instructors about individual circumstances, and then schedule a meeting with a dean or attend the College’s academic advising hours.
Support for students with medical-related concerns, including those with COVID-19, may contact Health Services during its regular hours. There is also a nursing line available 24 hours a day, and students can contact EMS for emergency situations.
Haley Sandlow is a section editor covering science and research as well as admissions and financial aid. She is a junior from Chicago, Illinois, studying English and French.
