CU Boulder Reports Record Single-Day Coronavirus Cases

BOULDER, CO — The University of Colorado Boulder has reported a record single-day total of 100 new cases. The case update was posted Thursday morning — a day after university officials held a news conference to discuss the school's 14-day self-quarantine.

As of Thursday, 541 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed at the university since Aug. 24. Isolation spaces on campus are more than half full.

Boulder County Public Health issued a recommendation to the university Tuesday urging all students to self-quarantine for two weeks. CU officials immediately complied with the recommendation, and announced that the 14-day isolation would begin Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. University staff and faculty are exempt from the recommendation.

Students "should not leave their residence unless it is for work, class, or getting food to take care of children or parents, or medical attention (including to get tested) that cannot be provided remotely," the county stated in a notice.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Boulder: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

The majority of new cases have been among students living off campus, university officials said. Large gatherings have been reported, and photos show many students not adhering to social distancing guidelines or wearing masks.

Anyone who hosts or attends a gathering that doesn't adhere to public health guidelines — on or off campus — faces probation, sanctions and even suspension, officials warned.

Boulder County Public Health has also partnered with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to bring a free walk-up testing site to Boulder, which opened Wednesday, and a drive-thru site in the "very near future," officials said.

Any Boulder County resident or CU student who is interested in being tested is encouraged to visit the testing site. An appointment is not required, there is no cost for the test and residents do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to be tested, officials said. Residents should bring a form of identification in order to ensure test results are accurately recorded. Full details, including hours and location are available here.