SDSU Sees Spike In COVID-19 Cases: 621 Total

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego State University reported 23 new student cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the total number of cases to 621 since the fall semester began Aug. 24. The news comes after the Cal State University system announced that online instruction would continue through spring 2021.

University officials said they were aware of 617 confirmed cases among students and four probable cases.

The university has not received any reports of faculty or staff who have tested positive since fall instruction began, SDSU health officials said.

The majority of the 621 cases are students living off-campus in San Diego. About 75 percent of students testing positive live in off-campus housing not managed by the university, with 73 percent of the cases among the freshman and sophomore classes, officials said.

"We know far more about [COVID-19] now than we did back in May," said Timothy P. White, CSU System chancellor, in a letter to the 23 campuses. "The virus continues to spread. There is no vaccine and there likely will not be one widely available any time soon."

SEE ALSO: CSU System: Classes To Remain Online Through Spring 2021

While college campuses are typically spreading grounds for seasonal viruses, the CSU chancellor said he's taking extra precautions in preparation for flu season. With a possible "twindemic" on the horizon this winter with COVID-19 and flu cases combined, students and staff shouldn't expect a return to normalcy anytime soon.

"A larger wave continues to be forecast for the period between October and December coupled with seasonal influenza," he wrote. "This will undoubtedly be a daunting challenge for us. I cannot stress strongly enough that each of us should get a flu shot soon, certainly before the end of October. A subsequent wave of Covid-19 cases in or about March 2021 is also still projected."

Chico State University became the first California college to close its dorms amid a spike in cases on the campus in early September. Shortly after, San Diego State University officials announced it too would move in-person classes online.

The university said the information is based on cases reported to Student Health Services by an individual or by a public health official.

"As more private labs administering tests, a possibility exists that not all cases are being reported to Student Health Services," according to the SDSU COVID-19 website. "Anyone who receives a positive COVID-19 test should fill out the SDSU's online COVID-19 reporting form."

The university extended its stay-at-home order for students, directing them to stay in their current residences, except for essential needs, through 9 a.m. Monday. Violations of the order may result in disciplinary action, the college said.

"The university will also not disclose the specific location of the individual who was infected for privacy reasons and also because avoiding the physical location does not inherently lower a person's risk of infection; maintaining healthy practices such as physical distancing, wearing a facial covering and washing your hands are the best methods to lower your risk," according to the website.

Luke Wood, SDSU's vice president for student affairs and campus diversity, said the university was working with a security company to enforce public health code regulations.

The City News Service and Patch Staffer Kat Schuster contributed to this report.