USC Reports ‘Alarming’ Spike in Coronavirus Cases

A student wears a facemask at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California on March 11, 2020, USC health officials reported on Monday an “alarming” spike of 43 coronavirus cases confirmed in off-campus housing facilities, along with 100 students in quarantine due to possible exposure to COVID-19. According to Dr. Sarah Van Orman, head of USC Student Health , 14 cases were identified through general population testing among students not showing any symptoms, while 29 more were confirmed through contact tracing and testing of people showing symptoms or who were exposed to the illness. “Los Angeles is at a critical juncture in public health,” Orman wrote in a Monday virus update. “While no students have been hospitalized to this point, we all need to work together to protect those in our community who may be at higher risk of severe disease and prevent serious health outcomes for all. Your role in containing, or conversely, accelerating the rapid spread of COVID-19, can mean the difference between safely returning to a modified ‘new normal,’ or having a prolonged period of remote-only academic experience and closed facilities.” She urged students “in the vicinity of USC, especially those living with […]

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