University of Arizona Reports 31 Positive Coronavirus Cases

TUCSON, AZ — One day into the fall semester, the University of Arizona reports that 31 staff members and students have tested positive for the coronavirus.

The college has administered approximately 9,014 tests since July 31. On Monday, the university's data dashboard showed that 674 individuals were tested on the first day of school and just four returned positive.

A spokesperson for the university did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U of A started the school year with plenty of safety precautions in place and just 5,000 students on campus. Face coverings are required, hand sanitizer is prevalent and most nonessential courses will be held online instead of in-person. Negative coronavirus tests were required for anyone moving into dorm rooms prior to reopening. Several dorms have been set aside for those who test positive and must be quarantined.

The university has made testing accessible to all students, staff and faculty at the campus health center.

In sharp contrast to U of A, Arizona State University based in Tempe, Ariz. has declined to publicly release coronavirus testing data. But ASU has made testing available to all students and employees at no cost as classes get underway.