Researchers identified all nonprofit universities or colleges with at least 20,000 students in fall 2020 and compared the mean COVID-19 incidence in the 21 days before and after classes started. Among 22 counties with large institutions that held only remote courses, there was a 17.9 percent decline in COVID-19 cases. The 79 counties with large institutions that held in-person classes saw a 56.2 percent increase. The percentage of positive test results and hot-spot status also increased in counties with universities or colleges that held in-person courses.
Among 3,009 counties without large colleges or universities, researchers observed a 5.9 percent decline in COVID-19 incidence.
“College and university administrators should work with local decision-makers and public health officials to strengthen community mitigation, in addition to continuing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 on college and university campuses,” the report said.
A similar CDC report associated university Greek life activities with an increase in COVID-19 cases.
To view the full university county study, click here.
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