AU Reports COVID-19 Surge

Auburn University reported a more than 500% increase in self-reported COVID-19 cases last week. During the week of August 16-22, the first week of Fall classes, the University reported 424 positive tests among students, employees and contractors.

This surge corresponds to a similar surge shown last year at the start of school. Auburn discontinued its sentinel testing service and discontinued the use of exposures tracking software earlier this year before the growth in Delta variant cases.

Auburn University Medical Center performed 620 tests last week with 21.5% returned as positive, the highest number reported by the clinic during the pandemic. A number greater than 5% indicates spread of the virus in the community.

Students tested at local testing facilities are generally reported by the health department in their home counties. These results, as well those confirmed at the university medical center are only included in AU's totals if the infected person reports the case to the University online.

Auburn requires masks in campus buildings but does not require vaccinations for students or employees.