Virus cluster traced back to dorms at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia says its increasing testing of students after it identified a cluster of coronavirus cases in a residence hall.

The Daily Progress reports that the school in Charlottesville reported five cases on Wednesday that were identified through wastewater and individual testing programs.

All 188 students in the building were notified and were to be tested Wednesday evening. Residents were told to remain in their rooms except to use the bathroom or retrieve meals as they await test results. Those with positive tests will be moved to quarantine rooms.

The school has reported 378 total virus cases. That includes 330 students. Limited, in-person classes began last week.

“University leaders and public health experts have spent months planning for a return of students and a potential increase in cases,” university spokesman Brian Coy said in a statement. “We continue to expand our testing capacity, add quarantine and isolation rooms as necessary, and monitor our overall capacity to respond to cases and limit the spread of the virus.”

(IMAGE: University of Virginia)