Walker reports 144 positive COVID-19 cases on campus
Friday afternoon, Sept. 3, President Mark Walker addressed students to update the on-campus mask policy and report the number of positive COVID-19 cases on campus.
“As of yesterday, we have 144 active cases from our on-campus student population, resulting in 290 that are in self-isolation and quarantine,” said Walker. “Only 25 of those are housed in on-campus facilities designated for quarantine, with 223 of that 290 quarantining at home and the remainder are off-campus in quarantine spaces.”
This update comes exactly one week after Walker’s first report on campus COVID-19 cases.
“All are required to wear masks while in classrooms and other indoor spaces, even if socially distanced,” said Walker. “In other words, masks on all the time indoors unless of course you’re eating or in your own private workplace or your own private living area.”
According to Walker, the COVID-19 Task Force has met two times this week to discuss the best way to keep students safe.
“Based on the information and feedback that we’re receiving, we are on what we’re calling ‘the bubble.’ And that’s the critical point between our current protocols and the need to go to much greater lengths to deal with what's happening right now on campus,” said Walker. “We believe that if our campus community — all of us — will work together, we can prevent the need for stiffer protocols for any types of closures or even having to completely go virtual.”
Until today, the on-campus mask policy has been to wear masks indoors and in classrooms while socially distanced. The mask use, according to Walker, has been inconsistent and on the decline in some cases.
“Please also be mindful of the need to sanitize and wash your hands effectively,” said Walker. “Let's think of others; let’s work according to responsible citizenship. Let’s be concerned about those around us so that together we can begin to really curtail what’s happening in our community, in our city and on our campus. It would really make a difference.”
According to the Tennessee Health Department, there are currently 1,418 active COVID-19 cases in Bradley County. Over the last seven days, the health department reports a 27.4% increase in positive cases. More than 10% of Bradley County’s positive cases are Lee students.
“The test positivity rate in Bradley County is very high … Because of high spread, the CDC recommends that even vaccinated people wear masks here,” reports the New York Times,
To view Walker’s video update, click here. Several local drug stores and pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, are offering free vaccines.
