By Taylor Stevens, Staff Writer
COVID-19 cases at Newman University are trending upward, according to a weekly update sent to the campus by President Kathleen Jagger. Seven new cases were reported during the period that covers Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, which marks the highest number of cases reported in a one-week period since the semester started, Jagger said. Two of the cases reported came from Newman sites outside of Wichita.
Then, on Wednesday, Newman updated its COVID-19 dashboard with news of 10 new positive cases among students and two among staff and faculty, reflecting the first time this semester that non-students have become infected. Practices and all athletic activities were suspended as of Wednesday while the staff disinfects the weight room and locker rooms.
Newman’s upward trend coincides with what’s happening in Wichita, where COVID positivity rates have climbed above 16%. Early last month, the rate was below 5%. Jagger said the numbers serve as a reminder that people on campus need to continue to frequently wash their hands, wear face coverings and stay physically distanced.
Newman has now had 58 total positive cases so far this semester, and all but two were among students, according to the Newman University return-to-campus webpage. Also, 82 negative tests have been reported this semester.
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Newman Website
