UArizona Classes With Less Than 50 Students Can Meet In Person

TUCSON, AZ — The University of Arizona welcomed more students back to campus Monday as the rate of coronavirus infections continues to decline.

The university has officially entered Stage 2 of its campus reentry plan, allowing classes with fewer than 50 students to meet in person, according to a news release. Most classes have been online since the beginning of the spring semester with the exception of some labs and fine arts classes.

The new phase also eases some restrictions in the university's residence halls. Guests will now be allowed in common areas, and some building amenities, such as pianos and game tables, will be made accessible, Dr. Richard Carmona said during Monday's weekly virtual briefing.

"Students have written expressing interest in these resources, which help to alleviate stress, and I am pleased that we are able to reinstate their use consistent with CDC guidance," Carmona, a public health professor and former U.S. Surgeon General, said.

All social distancing and face covering requirements will remain in place as the school attempts to get back to normal, and students will still be given an online schooling option.

The decision to ease into the next reentry phase was made by school officials as the number of new coronavirus cases declines in Pima County and across Arizona. Campus positivity rates also remain low, according to U of A.

Of the approximately 12,860 coronavirus tests administered on campus between Feb. 15 and Feb. 20, only 18 returned positive.

The news comes as the university ramps up its vaccination efforts, with a large state-run vaccination site placed on its campus. The site recently expanded its operating hours to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will operate seven days per week.