Since Virginia Commonwealth University opened to students on Monday, 25 students and 11 employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
University spokesman Mike Porter said that of the 25 students who tested positive, 11 are living in on-campus housing and have been isolated.
“We would not identify details that could compromise the privacy of a student or employee but each time there is a case of COVID-19 confirmed by the Virginia Department of Health, student health or employee health will get in touch directly with those who have come into close contact with the person to begin two weeks of self-quarantine and health monitoring,” Porter said via email.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch first reported the rising COVID-19 cases at VCU on Thursday.
All VCU students planning to live on campus were required to submit a COVID-19 test before returning to campus for the fall semester. Those tests revealed 4,380 negative results and 15 positive results, according to the university.
Porter said VCU is planning to roll out and online dashboard soon that will show the numbers of COVID-19 cases and tests, and the number of students and staff in quarantine or isolation.
VCU released its reopening plan, called One VCU, this summer. The plan called for strict limits on certain amenities, like 50 percent capacity in dining halls, class size limits of 50 students and two-person occupancy limits on elevators. Tape and signage are also being used to ensure one-way traffic flow and social distancing.
For now, the university plans to end most in-person classes by Thanksgiving.