Archive: COVID-19 weekly snapshot

Posted Sep 28, 2020 11:00 am

This page is no longer being updated. 

The following information was a supplement to the university's COVID-19 Public Health Data weekly updates, and intended to provide a brief snapshot of the data and trends identified by Iowa State's public health team. 

Week of May 3 - 9 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 22. The weekly positivity rate is 4.47%.
  • Iowa State administered 1,231 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (this includes primary and secondary doses) last week at State Gym. A total of 6,646 individuals have received the vaccine at campus clinics since December.
  • This is the last weekly snapshot for the 2020-21 academic year and the final updates to the ISU’s COVID-19 Public Health Data website (weekly and daily data). Information will be archived.

Week of April 26 - May 2

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 42. The weekly positivity rate is 6.98%, and the cumulative rate since Jan. 1 is 3.9%.
  • Iowa State administered more than 1,731 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (this includes primary and secondary doses) last week during clinics at State Gym.
  • The COVID-19 testing center at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum is closing on May 6. Thielen Student Health Center will provide testing for students after that date. Employees are encouraged to test through their primary care providers.   

Week of April 19 - 25

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 36. The weekly positivity rate is 5.02%.
  • Iowa State administered more than 3,100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (this includes primary and secondary doses) last week during clinics at State Gym.
  • All students and employees can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Iowa State will offer vaccine clinics this week on April 27-30 – you no longer need to receive both doses on campus. Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to select from when scheduling your appointment. Find more information on the vaccination website.

Week of April 12 - 18 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 43. The weekly positivity rate is 4.93%.
  • Iowa State encourages all students, faculty and staff to get the COVID-19 vaccine. For the latest information and updates on campus clinics, please check the vaccination website regularly.
  • The cumulative positivity rate (since Jan. 1) for on-campus testing is 3.8%. 

Week of April 5 - 11

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 37. The weekly positivity rate is 4.91%.
  • ISU Extension and Outreach is partnering with the Iowa Department of Public Health and University of Iowa to host information sessions about the COVID-19 vaccine this month. Learn more and register for a session online.
  • The CDC has provided updated guidance related to travel, face coverings and physical distancing for individuals who are fully vaccinated.

Week of March 29 - April 4

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 89. The weekly positivity rate is 5.18%.
  • Iowa State expects to receive an allotment of COVID-19 vaccine from the state and is planning to hold a mass vaccination clinic on campus before the end of spring semester. Check the vaccination website for updates.
  • As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, it is important that we continue to follow Cyclones Care behaviors. Face coverings are required on campus, in the city of Ames and in Story County.  

Week of March 22 - 28 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 80. The weekly positivity rate is 6.15%.
  • Be diligent – ISU saw a slight increase in COVID-19 cases last week. Thielen Student Health Center continues to offer free testing at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum. Complete this online form to schedule an appointment. More information is on the TSHC website.
  • Daily testing totals are updated on Mon/Wed/Fri. You can find more detail on the Daily Public Health Data page, which includes on-campus target testing and self-reports.

Week of March 15 - 21

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 24. The weekly positivity rate is 2.40%.
  • Thielen Student Health Center continues to partner with Story County Public Health to provide COVID-19 vaccine for employees and students who are 65 and older. TSHC anticipates further expansion of vaccine availability over the next several weeks and will update campus.
  • A reminder to complete the daily Cyclones Care Symptom Checker before heading to campus. Assess how you feel each day and stay home if you’re sick.

Week of March 8 - 14

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 29. The weekly positivity rate is 2.47%.
  • Thielen Student Health Center is partnering with Story County Public Health to provide limited COVID-19 vaccine to employees and students who are 65 and older. Thielen staff will contact those who are eligible.
  • The CDC issued interim recommendations on face coverings and physical distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. Face coverings are still required on campus, in the city of Ames and in Story County.

Week of March 1 - 7

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 36. The weekly positivity rate is 2.97%.
  • The cumulative positivity rate for on-campus testing (since Jan. 1) is 3.3%. Please continue to follow Cyclones Care behaviors and keep this rate low.
  • The Iowa Department of Public Health has expanded vaccine availability to those 64 years old and younger with underlying medical conditions, as defined by the CDC. Story County Public Health received 1,270 doses for the week of March 8 – availability remains very limited.

Week of Feb. 22 - 28

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 3.3%.
  • Due to decreased need, Johnny's in Hilton Coliseum is closed on Saturdays for COVID-19 testing. Students, faculty or staff can call 515-294-5801 to schedule a test at Thielen Student Health Center.
  • The FDA granted emergency use authorization for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. You can find more information about vaccine availability in Iowa on the university’s vaccination webpage.

Week of Feb. 15 - 22

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 3.3%.
  • The CDC posted new quarantine guidance for individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. The information is also available on Iowa State’s personal health page.  
  • Vaccine availability in Story County remains very limited. Mary Greeley Medical Center/Story County Public Health provides weekly updates on vaccine status. You can also find a link to this information on Iowa State’s vaccination page. 

Week of Feb. 8 - 14 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 26. The weekly positivity rate is 2.1%.
  • The CDC posted new guidance on masking, which includes suggestions for proper fit and options for layering.
  • Iowa State continues to work with Story County Public Health on vaccine rollout. The university has not received any allocation for those 65 and older. Employees should watch for information from their healthcare providers and local pharmacies as these will likely be the best sources for vaccine. More information is available on ISU's vaccination website.

Week of Feb. 1 - 7 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 3.13%.
  • Iowa State tested a random sample of students living in the residence halls and sororities and fraternities at the start of the spring semester. Of the 3,363 students tested on campus, 1.5% tested positive. Please see sidebar for more results.
  • Reminder: Face coverings are required on campus. The city of Ames also requires face coverings in public settings.  
  • Iowa State and Story County COVID-19 test samples are sent to the State Hygienic Lab weekly to monitor for COVID variants.

Week of Jan. 25 - 31

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 42. The weekly positivity rate is 3.96%.
  • The COVID-19 Public Health Data website is now tracking data for spring semester. Data from fall semester and winter break is accessible using the Archived Data tab at the top of the public health website.
  • COVID-19 testing is available for students, faculty and staff who are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to a positive case. Learn more on the COVID-19 Personal Health page.

Week of Jan. 18 - 24

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 31. The weekly positivity rate is 3.85%.
  • As we start a new semester, please remember to complete your daily symptom checker and follow Cyclones Care behaviors.
  • The COVID-19 Public Health Data website will update on Feb. 1 to start tracking data for the spring semester. Data from the fall semester and winter break will be archived and publicly accessible.

Week of Jan 11 - 17 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 22. The weekly positivity rate is 2.64%.
  • Iowa State has implemented a 10-day quarantine protocol, which applies to asymptomatic individuals who’ve had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
  • Thielen Student Health Center has tips and information to help students prepare to return to campus for the spring semester.

Week of Jan. 4 - 10

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 39. The weekly positivity rate is 5.2%.
  • More than 900 people participated in the Corteva asymptomatic testing on Friday, Jan. 8. Please see sidebar for a breakdown of the results. Anyone with questions about accessing their results should contact Corteva directly. The testing effort is not affiliated with ISU’s testing process.
  • The COVID-19 testing center at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum has reopened for spring semester. Faculty, staff and students who need a COVID-19 test can make an appointment after completing the pre-testing questionnaire found at this link.

Week of Dec. 28 - Jan. 3

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 16. The weekly positivity rate is 2.19%.
  • COVID-19 testing will continue this week at Thielen Student Health Center. The testing site at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum will reopen on Jan. 11.
  • A reminder to complete the daily Cyclones Care Symptom Checker before heading to campus. Assess how you feel each day and stay home if you’re sick.

Week of Dec. 21 - 27

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 19. The weekly positivity rate is 1.72%.
  • COVID-19 testing will be available through 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 at Thielen Student Health Center. Testing will resume on Monday, Jan. 4.
  • If you traveled over the holiday, the CDC recommends limiting non-essential activities for seven to 10 days (depending on testing) after you return.

Week of Dec. 14 - 20

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 30. The weekly positivity rate is 2.48%.
  • COVID-19 testing is available this week until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at Thielen Student Health Center. Testing will resume on Monday, Dec. 28.
  • This holiday season, the CDC recommends modifying your plans and celebrating virtually or only gathering with members of your own household.

Week of Dec. 7 - 13

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 35. The weekly positivity rate is 2.97%.
  • Iowa State is implementing a new 10-day quarantine protocol, consistent with changes made by the Iowa Department of Public Health. This applies to asymptomatic individuals who’ve had close contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
  • The university is working closely with state and local partners to prepare for COVID-19 vaccinations once supply is more widely available. Thielen Student Health Center is authorized to administer the vaccine to students, faculty and staff.

Week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 6

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 45. The weekly positivity rate is 3.35%.
  • Do not let down your guard. As we head into the winter session, continue to follow Cyclones Care behaviors. Face coverings are required on campus – no exceptions.

Week of Nov. 23 - 29

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 57. The weekly positivity rate is 2.38%. The totals include results from asymptomatic testing offered to students before winter break.
  • Iowa State’s public health team and Veterinary Diagnostic Lab performed 24,734 COVID-19 tests for students, faculty and staff during the fall semester (Aug. 17 – Nov. 25) – 22,468 negative tests and 2,266 positive tests.
  • The semester totals reflect the university’s targeted testing strategy, which aims to identify and isolate positive cases and quarantine close contacts to minimize the spread of infection.

Week of Nov. 16 - 22

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 268. The weekly positivity rate is 5.2%. The totals include results from asymptomatic testing offered to students before winter break.
  • All students – even those who receive a COVID-19 test – need to stay vigilant and take precautions when they return home. Test results only capture a snapshot in time and a negative result does not protect against future exposure.
  • COVID-19 testing will be offered over winter break at Thielen Student Health Center. The remote testing site at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum will resume normal operations on Jan. 10, 2021.

Week of Nov. 9 - 15

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 324. The weekly positivity rate is 12.6%. The overall positivity rate (since Aug. 1) is 10.75%.
  • Asymptomatic testing begins today and continues through Saturday, Nov. 21. Students need to schedule an appointment online. Testing is voluntary and available to all students who want a test before returning home at the end of the semester.
  • In the final days of the fall semester, it is critical that everyone limits social activities and follows Cyclones Care behaviors. Even if you plan to get tested before returning home, a test is only a snapshot in time. You still need to wear a face covering and maintain physical distance.  
  • Thielen Student Health Center developed this list of resources and tips to help students prepare in the days prior to leaving campus, the day of travel and when they return home.

Week of Nov. 2 - 8 

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 366. The weekly positivity rate is 15.11%. See sidebar for more information about transmission data.
  • The state of Iowa is experiencing a record number of cases and hospitalizations putting a strain on the health care system. Please do your part – wear a face covering, maintain physical distance and wash hands – to avoid additional pressure on our local health care resources.
  • Students who want to get tested for COVID-19 before leaving for semester break can schedule an appointment from Nov. 16-21 at Johnny’s in Hilton Coliseum. More detail in this campus message.

Week of Oct. 26 - Nov. 1

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 103. The weekly positivity rate is 6.58%.
  • We are seeing an increase in positive cases on campus. Follow these simple steps to reduce the risk of infection: wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.  
  • ISU’s public health team is closely monitoring COVID-19 data and trends and following up with specific areas, as needed, on campus.
  • Iowa State’s cumulative positivity rate is 9.7%. This is the percentage of positive cases out of the nearly 14,000 individuals tested on campus since Aug. 1 – not the entire campus population.  

Week of Oct. 19 - 25

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 42. The weekly positivity rate is 3.17%.
  • Daily testing totals are updated on Mon/Wed/Fri. You can find more detail on the Daily Public Health Data page, which includes on-campus target testing and self-reports.
  • As the weather gets colder and we’re spending more time inside, it is important to remember to show Cyclones Care and wear your face covering and maintain physical distance as much as possible.

Week of Oct. 12 – 18

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 22. The weekly positivity rate is 1.79%.
  • Since Aug. 1, the university has tested 11,184 students, faculty and staff (this does not include move-in testing at Lied Recreation). Of that number, 9,972 tested negative (89.2%) and 1,212 tested positive (10.8%).
  • For the past two weeks, 166 individuals were in quarantine and 24 close contacts later tested positive.

Week of Oct. 5 - 11

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 49. The weekly positivity rate is 4.34%.
  • The university is conducting random testing for COVID-19 to identify asymptomatic cases and further reduce the spread of infection on campus. Those randomly selected will receive an email this week to schedule an appointment.
  • Random testing is not mandatory, but students are encouraged to do the responsible thing to complete the testing and should not fear disciplinary action. More detail is available in this campus message.

Week of Sept. 28 - Oct. 4

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 49. The weekly positivity rate is 4.54%.
  • The university is conducting random testing for COVID-19 to identify asymptomatic cases and further reduce the spread of infection on campus. Those randomly selected will receive an email this week to schedule an appointment.
  • Random testing is not mandatory, but students are encouraged to do the responsible thing to complete the testing and should not fear disciplinary action. More detail is available in this campus message.

Week of Sept. 21-27

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 68. The percentage of positive tests for the week was 4.99%.
  • Iowa State’s public health team provides contact tracing to help reduce the spread of infection by identifying those who need to quarantine. For the past week, 399 individuals were in quarantine and 62 tested positive.
  • On average, 1,255 individuals are being tested each week on campus. Here is a breakdown of the weekly totals for the past month:
    • 996 (Sept. 21-27)
    • 1,088 (Sept. 14-20)
    • 1,204 (Sept. 7-13)
    • 1,732 (Aug. 31-Sept. 6)

Week of Sept. 14-20

  • Total positive test results (on-campus testing and self-reports): 63
  • The percentage of positive tests was 4.60% – down from 7.81% the previous week.
  • There are fewer positive test results on campus and in Story County (see Iowa Department of Public Health website). This data reinforces the importance of wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance and staying home if you’re sick.