By Tucker Reilly, News Assignment Editor
St. Bonaventure University has experienced a small spike in COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks, causing some concern ahead of Easter weekend. The university reported 27 new cases between March 13-26, more than double the amount for any other two-week period this semester.
According to Dr. Marlene Wust-Smith, medical director of the university’s health center, there are several contributing factors to this rise.
“Students gathering to watch the basketball tournaments, attending or hosting gatherings that involve alcohol and students ignoring and not reporting symptoms on their daily SBU screening form [are all factors],” said Wust-Smith. “Additionally, students who have previously tested positive appear to be letting their guard down, thinking it’s okay to attend parties, not wear masks, etc. because they will not have to quarantine if exposed. Perhaps most frustrating is students not initially disclosing their close contacts for tracing – in an effort to “protect” or hide possible contacts we find that students continue to spread the virus from person to person.”
Wust-Smith also emphasized the necessity of individual behavior, especially after the recent loss of university President Dr. Dennis DePerro.
“It is sobering to realize that, even in the wake of DePerro’s death, there appears to be a disconnect from students who do not understand how serious and deadly the virus can be for those older than they are, or who have underlying health risks,” said Wust-Smith. “Symptoms are often minimal to nonexistent for adolescents and young adults who test COVID-19 positive and pre-symptomatic spread is occurring. When students continue to attend class, eat in dining halls, ride in vehicles with others or attend gatherings with or without symptoms and it turns out to be COVID, one person can have more than 20-30 contacts.”
While health screening and pool testing participation has fluctuated slightly over the course of the semester, both statistics remain at a relatively high average of over 80%. Wust-Smith described this level of participation as a “nice rebound” and highlighted the importance of these programs.
“Both health screenings and pool testing remain essential for preventing the spread,” said Wust-Smith. “Still, [it’s important to note that] pool testing is for those who have no symptoms, no exposures, no concerns with regards to COVID. If a student is called or chosen for pool testing and they think that they may have been exposed and/or are having any symptoms, they should not go to pool testing and instead should contact the Center for Student Wellness where we can test them.”
While only two new cases have been reported since March 27 as of Wednesday, the risk of another COVID-19 outbreak, like the one that forced the university to switch to remote learning in November 2020, appears evident.
“We’re hopeful this recent spike was a blip on the radar and things will begin to level off again,” said Tom Missel, the university’s chief communications officer.
With some students planning to travel home for Easter, the university remains cautious about the risks of transmission, especially to students’ family and friends. Wust-Smith recommended students use preventative behavior when gathering for the holiday.
“I would expect that we will have more cases as a result of students who travel for Easter and I am particularly concerned for relatives of students who may be at risk from students visiting them,” said Wust-Smith. “It’s been a long year, but there appears to be a promise of an end in sight with more of the population becoming vaccinated and/or immune due to natural infection. If the weather is good, I would encourage students and their families to try to minimize indoor gathering and to celebrate from a distance.”
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
