By Emily Garcia |
Special to the Bell Ringer
According to Augusta University Vice President of Communication Christen Engel, between July 1 and August 5, 76 students, faculty and employees at AU have reported testing positive since the COVID-19 crisis began. The majority of positive tests are from employees.
Engel said it is important to note that this is not a daily count of cases and reflects a cumulative total.
“It is not uncommon for the university to be informed of a case in another location some time after a person has received test results,” Engel explained.
She also said that this total includes individuals who have recovered.
“This figure should not be viewed as an accurate barometer of the current status of COVID-19 at Augusta University’s main campus,” Engel stated.
When COVID-19 reached Augusta, university officials expected to see fluctuations in new freshman enrollment. The student life and engagement office asked all student organizations on campus to submit their budget with a 20% decrease to accommodate for up-in-the-air enrollment numbers in the Fall.
However, at Provost Gretchan Caughman’s Fall Kickoff on August 5, she reported that the incoming freshman class was at roughly 1,003 students, only 11 students less than last year's total, with final enrollment figures to be released later in the Fall.