No Indications of Outbreak in Latest UW COVID

The University of Wyoming has received reports of four positive cases of COVID-19 since 5 p.m. Thursday -- two students and two employees.

The two employees and one student -- a student in the residence halls -- tested positive as part of UW’s bridge testing program through Vault Health. The other student lives off campus and was tested by an external provider. None were exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.

The new cases were reported as UW began receiving tests results from Vault Health that were delayed by the Labor Day holiday and inclement weather Tuesday. Since 5 p.m. Thursday, results of 689 Vault tests have been received -- with more than 1,000 still to be received from samples submitted this week.

Meanwhile, UW Student Health Service has reported no positive test results since Tuesday.

“We anticipate that we will see more positive cases as we receive results from Vault, but so far we’re not seeing indications of an outbreak,” UW President Ed Seidel says. “We continue to be encouraged that we’ll be in a position to resume our fall return plan early next week.” 

Seidel extended the pause through Monday to allow time to make sure no significant new outbreaks are taking place. The pause was triggered by positive COVID-19 test results of seven students who were exhibiting symptoms of the infection Sept. 2. 

“The pause accomplished what we intended, which was to get a better handle on the data and have the university community take the actions necessary to limit transmission of the virus,” Seidel says. “We appreciate the cooperation and encourage everyone to adhere to the pause restrictions until we’re ready to move to Phase 2 of our fall return plan, which we hope will be Tuesday.”

During the extended pause, details of which may be found here, the university is taking steps through Monday that include:

-- Instructing students in UW campus housing and others in Laramie to shelter in place.

-- Delivering all courses online.

-- Directing all employees, with the exception of those designated by supervisors as critical pause personnel, to work remotely.

-- Suspending all face-to-face activities, unless approval is given through an exception process.

UW students are instructed to have contact with only members of their “pods” during a pause. For a student in UW’s residence halls, a pod consists of all students on that student’s floor. For students living off campus or in UW apartments, a pod consists of those living together in the same dwelling.

As of 5 p.m. today (Friday), the total number of active cases among the UW community  stands at 66 -- 15 students living on campus, 45 students living off campus and six employees living off campus.

Some 119 people -- 24 on campus and 95 off campus -- remain in 14-day quarantine because they were in close contact with people who tested positive. The total number of COVID-19 cases among UW students and employees since the pandemic began is 144.

More information about the pause is available at www.uwyo.edu/campus-return, which is being updated as information becomes available. Those with questions may also call (307) 766-COVD (2683) or email COVID19@uwyo.edu.