While students are counting down the days until the end of the fall semester, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise. 

According to Waynesburg University’s website, since Aug. 8, the campus recorded 60 COVID-19 cases among students, faculty and staff. This number was last updated Oct. 8. 

Compared to previous semesters, the number of recorded cases this semester is relatively high.

At this point in the fall 2020 semester (Aug. 9 to Oct.7), there were 12 cases, and halfway through the Spring 2021 semester (Jan. 11 to March 5), there were 47 cases. The Keep Waynesburg Well team associates this uptick in cases with the regional trend of the spreading delta variant. 

“While the number of COVID-19 cases on campus has increased thus far this semester, it is unfortunately consistent with the more-contagious delta variant’s spread rate in the region and elsewhere,” said Stacey Brodak, vice president for Institutional Advancement and University Relations, in an email response. “This is why it’s so important for our campus community to remain diligent throughout the rest of the semester by limiting risky exposures and appropriately reporting symptoms.”

Despite the increased cases, Waynesburg continues to offer in-person instruction and activities. 

“We continue to assess individual requests from departments, programs and divisions on a case-by-case basis and consult with the appropriate sub-teams when necessary,” Brodak said. “The KWW Plan has not changed since the start of the semester, and we are trying to move forward with allowing as much on-campus programming as possible.”

In regards to previous semesters, Brodak said the KWW plan was effective. Even with the conditions of this semester, Brodak reiterated that the success of the plan is contingent on the compliance of the Waynesburg community.

“It’s a critical time right now during which all of us must remain focused on taking proper precautions to keep one another safe.”

With about 59 days left until the end of the semester, the conditions on campus still have room to change. Brodak, however, reassures students that the KWW team has their best interest in mind when making decisions. 

“The number of cases on campus is only one factor that is considered in determining whether we can continue with an in-person living, learning and work experience,”  Brodak said. “Many people on campus – Student Health Services, Student Services, Facilities, Dining Services, Human Resources and our tracing and tracking team – have been working very hard to create a safe environment on campus while balancing respect for individual choices.”