The first case of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 in the U.S. was detected in the first week of December 2021. On Dec. 2, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced the first case of Omicron in the state. The new variant is perceived to spread easier than the original COVID-19 virus and is now the dominant strain in Colorado.
As a result, in this past week, an average of 2,179 cases per day were reported in Denver County, a 126% increase from the average two weeks ago and the highest of the pandemic. As the University of Denver prepares to return to in-person classes on Jan. 18, the rise of COVID-19 cases throughout campus urges a reconsideration of plans.
During the past two weeks, DU students have attended classes remotely. Many of the students were caught off guard with this decision, which was only communicated on the last week of winter break. The university’s initial plans to contain the virus’ spread involved two re-entry tests, one right before arriving on campus and another one a couple of days after arrival, followed by a high testing frequency.
By the end of the first week, with an 8.64% seven-day moving average positivity rate, students who tested positive were advised by the COVID-19 response team that they would have to isolate themselves within their own rooms and wear surgical masks in shared bathrooms.
Many students are expected to arrive during the following days but, according to an email the COVID response team sent to the students on Friday, Jan. 14, the positivity among winter quarter pre-arrival tests is 18%. These statistics and new protocols are making on-campus students feel unsafe.
Knowing that one might have to share living quarters—such as hallways, common areas and bathrooms—with infected residents is negatively impacting students’ mental health.
“Recently, one of the residents in my hallway tested positive, and even though they tested with a low level of transmissibility, it led me to be very paranoid. My roommate and I are very anxious when it comes to COVID since we both have people at home that are at high risk, we don’t want to transmit it to them,” said Alicia Chong, a first-year at DU who lives on campus.
Nicole Porticos, a first-year at DU, shared her apprehension over the delay of the test results. According to her, last quarter, she used to get the results on the same day she got tested, but now it is taking two to three days to receive them.
“Even with testing more frequently, if someone you know tests positive, and it takes two to three days to get the results, you could be sitting next to them in class for those two to three days. That’s concerning,” said Porticos.
Students who had to get isolated say that DU has not been very helpful. Marissa Martinez Suarez, a sophomore at DU, had to quarantine twice in the past year—once at the beginning of 2021 and again in December 2021. During the last quarantine, she shared that the communication between her and the university was confusing and the protocols she had to follow were not explicitly stated.
“I felt that being quarantined last year was a lot stricter than being quarantined this year,” said Suarez. “I felt that last time people actually called to check-in and I also had a sense that they were actually keeping track of the days I was completing the surveys.”
Even though the majority of American students prefer to have in-person classes, it is too early to resume in-person learning—especially in areas of very high transmission, which is the case in Colorado. With delayed tests results, growing positivity rates and unrigorous quarantine protocols, DU should consider giving all students the option to request the COVID-19 Omicron Surge Temporary Adjustments—which include modified attendance, preferential seating and housing adjustments but are currently only available to immunocompromised students—because everyone should have a choice over their health and safety concerns.
Undoubtedly, the return of in-person classes and a full campus are bound to happen, but the university already shows its unpreparedness to take on another pandemic quarter.
