Chico State outbreak, 22 test positive for COVID-19

Since August, 22 students and faculty have tested positive for COVID-19.

Spread?

Earlier today chico state faculty and staff canvased two blocks near the univerisity to spread awareness and educate students.

As for those who have tested positive for the virus, the university says they're on top of it.

We just got confirmation today from the director of the wildcat health center that we have 22 cases total on campus cases since august.

Chico state's media relations coordinator sean murphy says a majority of those cases are students who live on and off campus.

Chico state says it will help accommodate on- campus cases to ensure there is no risk to other students.

We have staff that will arrange for them to get into isolation, we will do check ins with them and make sure they have food delivery service... two of those on- campus cases involve individuals who spent time in whitney hall... if someone is positive that lives in our residence halls or works for us, we are notified of that, but no the butte county public health does not share the names of the people in the community which students do live in an apartment complex, they will not disclose their names to us because of privacy issues.

University officials say it relies on off- campus students to notify them if they have the virus.

At this time the university does not know if chico state's cases are connected to the outbreak at a nearby apartment complex that the health department mentioned this week.

But chico state plans to ensure it won't happen in the future.

If we have a student or a group of students throwing a party with blatant disregard to masking and social distancing and they take no ownership, then the sanction can be higher we're talking disciplinary probation, or possibly separating the student from the university through suspension or expulsion.

The university says there's a range of sanctions that include educating the student.

Overall, the university is relying on its wildcats to self report and behavior.

These are the types of things that will help butte county get off the state's watch list and also get the students back in the classroom so we're putting a lot on the students two of those on capus cases involve individuals who spent time here at whitney hall.

The university says the risk of infection to the larger campus community is low.

Chico state students and faculty canvased two blocks near campus to distribute covid 19 door hangers and wildcat logo face coverings.

Modoc