UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State has updated its public COVID-19 dashboard with symptomatic and asymptomatic test results from the weekend, as well as new results from the prior week. For the period of Aug. 28-30, the University received 25 positive symptomatic test results and seven positive asymptomatic results, all at the University Park campus.
With additional test results coming in over the weekend for the previous week (Aug. 21-27), the dashboard reflects two additional positive symptomatic results and five additional positive asymptomatic results for the University Park campus, for a total of 16 positive symptomatic results and 18 positive asymptomatic results for the University Park campus for the period of Aug. 21-27.
For Penn State Behrend last week, the dashboard includes one additional positive symptomatic result and one additional positive asymptomatic result, for a total of one positive symptomatic result and two positive asymptomatic results for Behrend for the period of Aug. 21-27. Penn State Schuylkill also indicates one additional positive asymptomatic result last week, its first. At this time, no positives have been recorded as of August 30 on other Penn State campuses.
The University has initiated its contact tracing process for all cases and the impacted individuals – all students – are in isolation.
Moving ahead, the University will update its COVID-19 dashboard twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesday updates will include results data from the prior Friday to Sunday weekend and Friday updates will include the entire week’s results, allowing dashboard users to see weekly results over time.
“While we are seeing an uptick in the symptomatic positive numbers, this data reflects that our system is working as symptomatic students are seeking testing at University Health Services and we are reaching people through our contact tracing process,” said Penn State President Eric J. Barron. “If we are to remain on our campuses for the rest of the fall semester, we absolutely must continue to be diligent in taking personal steps to slow the spread of the virus. This is a critical time. It’s vital that students do not travel over the Labor Day holiday weekend or at other times, whenever possible, so they do not contract the coronavirus elsewhere and bring it back to our campus communities. Students also are strongly urged to not host out-of-town guests, who, unbeknownst to them, may be infected.”
To continue on-campus learning, work and other activities through the fall semester, it’s imperative that students, faculty and staff at all campuses and in adjacent communities do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 — and support the effort to “Mask Up or Pack Up.” The University urges everyone to wear face masks, practice social distancing and avoid large gatherings entirely.
The University is tracking current trends and continuously monitoring local, state and national disease data and following guidance from state and local health officials. Based on that guidance, and in consultation with faculty experts in epidemiology, medicine and public health, the University is prepared to adjust its approach as necessary. For the latest updates and information on Penn State’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, including frequently asked questions and information specific for students, faculty and staff, visit virusinfo.psu.edu.
