Stanford University is experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, with dozens of students now in isolation and numbers are expected to increase as more students return for in-person classes in two weeks.
One hundred forty-six Stanford students who tested positive for COVID-19 isolated in campus housing on Monday, according to the Stanford Daily. Malaysia Atwater, News Managing Editor at the paper, told KCBS Radio that students with private bedrooms and single-occupancy bathrooms are isolated in their rooms.
COVID-positive students who live in dorms with roommates, meanwhile, are isolating in special housing on campus.
"A lot of students aren't even back on campus yet, since our first two weeks of school are online," Atwater told KCBS Radio. "So, some students haven't come back yet. I can imagine things might get a little bit worse once more people come."
Those who arrive on campus take a rapid test. If positive, they're told to fill out a form and isolate. If negative, they need to take two more tests during their first week of classes.
The spike in cases was not unanticipated, with the first two weeks of the quarter being held online due to the omicron variant's spread. However, in-person classes are still set to resume on Jan. 18.
"Going back to in-person classes when the cases are so high, it sounds a little bit jarring to me, a little bit scary," Atwater said. "But I'm hoping we have the precautions in place to make it a safer term."
Meanwhile, Stanford Athletics won't allow fans at indoor events until it is "appropriate," according to officials. Only athletes' families can attend indoor events, while social distancing and masking at outdoor events will be required.
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