Updated: Dec. 31, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 31 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 137 known positives among 21,213* total faculty and staff, which is 0.65% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 124 known positives in our last update.
• 378 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.51% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 357 in our previous update.
  • 371 of the 378 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • Six are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,181 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining one is in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. This number is combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 393 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 243 students live on the ASU West campus; 389 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

*Includes all full- and part-time employees from ASU, ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Enterprise Partners.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 304
  • Positives = 20
  • Percent positive = 6.58%
• Cumulative tests = 10,132
  • Positives = 183
  • Percent positive = 1.81%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 250
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 4.00%
• Cumulative tests = 26,838
  • Positives = 389
  • Percent positive = 1.45%

Employees

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 589
  • Positives = 9
  • Percent positive = 1.53%
• Cumulative tests = 12,063
  • Positives = 62
  • Percent positive = 0.51%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 180,836 (previously 177,107) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 84 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the fall semester.
• ASU has tested 47 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 4,050 (previously 3,884)
• Faculty and staff: 397 (previously 360)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 4,066 (previously 3,939)*
• Faculty and staff: 390 (previously 361)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 31, 2020 is 7,718, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 5,698. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 0.93 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 31, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 28, 2020 @ 8:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have decreased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 28 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 124 known positives among 21,213* total faculty and staff, which is 0.58% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 93 known positives in our last update.
• 357 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.48% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 394 in our previous update.
  • 350 of the 357 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • Six are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,138 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining one is in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. This number is combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 393 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 243 students live on the ASU West campus; 386 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

*Includes all full- and part-time employees from ASU, ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Enterprise Partners.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 304
  • Positives = 20
  • Percent positive = 6.58%
• Cumulative tests = 10,132
  • Positives = 183
  • Percent positive = 1.81%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 250
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 4.00%
• Cumulative tests = 26,838
  • Positives = 389
  • Percent positive = 1.45%

Employees

• Tests from 12/21 – 12/27 = 589
  • Positives = 9
  • Percent positive = 1.53%
• Cumulative tests = 12,063
  • Positives = 62
  • Percent positive = 0.51%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 177,107 (previously 175,777) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 84 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the fall semester.
• ASU has tested 47 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,884 (previously 3,822)
• Faculty and staff: 360 (previously 340)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,939 (previously 3,834)*
• Faculty and staff: 361 (previously 359)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 28, 2020 is 10,086, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 6,154. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.02 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 28, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 24, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 24 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 93 known positives among 21,244* total faculty and staff, which is 0.44% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 103 known positives in our last update.
• 394 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.53% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 358 in our previous update.
  • 380 of the 394 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 11 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,130 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 3 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 393 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 242 students live on the ASU West campus; 386 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

*Includes all full- and part-time employees from ASU, ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Enterprise Partners.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 260
  • Positives = 8
  • Percent positive = 3.08%
• Cumulative tests = 9,782
  • Positives = 162
  • Percent positive = 1.66%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 405
  • Positives = 7
  • Percent positive = 1.73%
• Cumulative tests = 26,520
  • Positives = 376
  • Percent positive = 1.42%

Employees

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 920
  • Positives = 8
  • Percent positive = 0.87%
• Cumulative tests = 11,504
  • Positives = 63
  • Percent positive = 0.55%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 175,777 (previously 171,731) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 84 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 47 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,817 (previously 3,698)
• Faculty and staff: 340 (previously 323)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,834 (previously 3,765)*
• Faculty and staff: 359 (previously 340)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 24, 2020 is 7,046, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 6,469. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.06 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 24, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 21, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 21 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 103 known positives among 21,244* total faculty and staff, which is 0.48% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 90 known positives in our last update.
• 358 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.48% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 343 in our previous update.
  • 344 of the 358 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 12 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,122 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 2 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 396 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 245 students live on the ASU West campus; 388 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

*Includes all full- and part-time employees from ASU, ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Enterprise Partners.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 260
  • Positives = 8
  • Percent positive = 3.08%
• Cumulative tests = 9,782
  • Positives = 162
  • Percent positive = 1.66%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 405
  • Positives = 7
  • Percent positive = 1.73%
• Cumulative tests = 26,520
  • Positives = 376
  • Percent positive = 1.42%

Employees

• Tests from 12/14 – 12/20 = 920
  • Positives = 8
  • Percent positive = 0.87%
• Cumulative tests = 11,504
  • Positives = 63
  • Percent positive = 0.55%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 171,731 (previously 167,431) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 83 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 46 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,698 (previously 3,571)
• Faculty and staff: 323 (previously 295)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,765 (previously 3,636)*
• Faculty and staff: 340 (previously 322)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 21, 2020 is 7,748, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 5,871. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.04 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 21, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 17, 2020 @ 9:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 17 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 90 known positives among 21,244* total faculty and staff, which is 0.42% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 85 known positives in our last update.
• 343 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.46% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 337 in our previous update.
  • 328 of the 343 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 13 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,102 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 2 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 395 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 246 students live on the ASU West campus; 392 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

*Includes all full- and part-time employees from ASU, ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Enterprise Partners.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/07 – 12/13 = 328
  • Positives = 7
  • Percent positive = 2.13%
• Cumulative tests = 9,522
  • Positives = 154
  • Percent positive = 1.62%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/7 – 12/13 = 526
  • Positives = 14
  • Percent positive = 2.66%
• Cumulative tests = 26,115
  • Positives = 369
  • Percent positive = 1.41%

Employees

• Tests from 12/07 – 12/13 = 1,093
  • Positives = 14
  • Percent positive = 1.28%
• Cumulative tests = 10,582
  • Positives = 55
  • Percent positive = 0.52%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 167,431 (previously 163,357) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 83 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 46 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,571 (previously 3,478)
• Faculty and staff: 295 (previously 274)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,636 (previously 3,557)*
• Faculty and staff: 322 (previously 309)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count peaked in late June and trended steadily downward until mid-September. Recently, the number of new cases has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 17, 2020 is 5,817, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 6,787. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.15 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 17, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 14, 2020 @ 9:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 14 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 85 known positives among 13,130 total faculty and staff, which is 0.65% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 84 known positives in our last update.
• 337 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.45% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 317 in our previous update.
  • 320 of the 338 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 15 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,149 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 2 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 400 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 246 students live on the ASU West campus; 406 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 12/07 – 12/13 = 328
  • Positives = 7
  • Percent positive = 2.13%
• Cumulative tests = 9,522
  • Positives = 154
  • Percent positive = 1.62%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 12/7 – 12/13 = 526
  • Positives = 14
  • Percent positive = 2.66%
• Cumulative tests = 26,115
  • Positives = 369
  • Percent positive = 1.41%

Employees

• Tests from 12/07 – 12/13 = 1,093
  • Positives = 14
  • Percent positive = 1.28%
• Cumulative tests = 10,582
  • Positives = 55
  • Percent positive = 0.52%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 163,357 (previously 159,161) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 83 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 46 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,478 (previously 3,378)
• Faculty and staff: 274 (previously 253)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,557 (previously 3,441)*
• Faculty and staff: 309 (previously 293)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count peaked in late June and trended steadily downward until mid-September. Recently, the number of new cases has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 14, 2020 is 11,806, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 7,772. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.12 which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 14, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 10, 2020 @ 9:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 10 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 84 known positives among 13,130 total faculty and staff, which is 0.64% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 79 known positives in our last update.
• 317 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.43% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 286 in our previous update.
  • 296 of the 317 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 18 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 3,996 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 3 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 370 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 229 students live on the ASU West campus; 355 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 280
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 3.57%
• Cumulative tests = 9,195
  • Positives = 147
  • Percent positive = 1.60%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 348
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 2.87%
• Cumulative tests = 25,590
  • Positives = 355
  • Percent positive = 1.39%

Employees

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 788
  • Positives = 20
  • Percent positive = 2.54%
• Cumulative tests = 9,483
  • Positives = 44
  • Percent positive = 0.46%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 159,161 (previously 154,870) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 83 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 45 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,378 (previously 3,254)
• Faculty and staff: 253 (previously 236)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,441 (previously 3,362)*
• Faculty and staff: 293 (previously 280)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count peaked in late June and trended steadily downward until mid-September. Recently, the number of new cases has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 10, 2020 is 4,928, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 5,873. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.22, which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 10, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 7, 2020 @ 9:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have increased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

During the winter break, there will be fewer students on campus, though several thousand will remain living in ASU residence halls. The university will continue to provide updates during this period of time. Influenced by factors associated with winter break and a decrease in campus activity, we anticipate the potential for some fluctuation in the data being reported. ASU will continue to offer testing at no charge to students during winter break and will continue its random, required testing of students who are living on campus or are in the vicinity of the campus and plan to be on campus during winter break.

December 7 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 79 known positives among 13,128 total faculty and staff, which is 0.60% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 77 known positives in our last update.
• 286 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.38% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 260 in our previous update.
  • 265 of the 286 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 17 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 4,765 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 4 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 444 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 275 students live on the ASU West campus; 381 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 280
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 3.57%
• Cumulative tests = 9,195
  • Positives = 147
  • Percent positive = 1.60%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 348
  • Positives = 10
  • Percent positive = 2.87%
• Cumulative tests = 25,590
  • Positives = 355
  • Percent positive = 1.39%

Employees

• Tests from 11/30 – 12/06 = 788
  • Positives = 20
  • Percent positive = 2.54%
• Cumulative tests = 9,483
  • Positives = 44
  • Percent positive = 0.46%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 154,870 (previously 150,477) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 82 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 44 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,254 (previously 3,146)
• Faculty and staff:  236 (previously 211)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,362 (previously 3,265)*
• Faculty and staff: 280 (previously 262)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count peaked in late June and trended steadily downward until mid-September. Recently, the number of new cases has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 7, 2020 is 1,567, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 5,575. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.17, which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 7, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Awarded $12.5 million to research COVID-19 immune response and help improve patient outcomes. ASU will join the National Cancer Institute’s Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet), the nation’s largest coordinated effort to study people’s immune response to COVID-19.
• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.

Updated: Dec. 3, 2020 @ 9:00 p.m. 

ASU is providing regular updates on our COVID-19 Management Strategy, which supports virus management efforts at the state, local and university levels.

Arizona cases continue to increase and health experts report that the state is experiencing a surge. The current known positive cases in the ASU community have decreased since our most recent report. There is no change in the university’s housing or learning modes of operation.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Please continue to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing. Get tested regularly and encourage your friends and family to do the same. ASU continues to offer COVID-19 testing free of charge to all students, employees and the general public Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment. With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to get tested before family gatherings and begin making testing plans now before traveling.

We lead this report with the current situation, followed by a look at cumulative numbers since Aug. 1, 2020. For any questions on how to interpret the information, please contact ASU media relations at mediarelations@asu.edu.

ASU COVID-19 Situational Update

ASU has previously published its COVID management framework. In short, it is our expectation that COVID-19 is here to stay and we must operate the university in a way that accounts for the ongoing presence of the virus. That is why we invested in testing technology, built health check apps and established extensive protocols to help manage the virus in our community. ASU is following all  CDC guidelines related to higher education.

December 3 -- Current COVID-19 positive case count:

• 77 known positives among 13,128 total faculty and staff, which is 0.58% confirmed positive among employees. That compares with 101 known positives in our last update.
• 260 known positives among our total student body of 74,500 (excluding ASU Online), which is 0.35% confirmed positive among the student body. That compares with 300 in our previous update.
  • 217 of the 260 known positive cases are off campus in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
  • 35 are in isolation on the ASU Tempe campus. A total of 8,854 students live on the ASU Tempe campus.
  • The remaining 8 are in isolation on either the ASU Downtown Phoenix, ASU West, or Polytechnic campuses. These numbers are combined for reporting purposes to address concerns that specific individuals could be otherwise identified. A total of 1,078 students live in university housing on the ASU Downtown Phoenix campus; 501 students live on the ASU West campus; 733 students live on the ASU Polytechnic campus.

Random testing program

ASU tests anyone who is symptomatic, and has tests available free of charge for any student or employee who wants one. In addition, ASU launched required, random testing of students and employees on Aug. 27. We conduct continuous testing of a statistically-significant and representative sample of our population to determine current trends with the virus. This data is updated each Monday. Current results specific to the random testing program are:

On-campus students

• Tests from 11/23 – 11/29 = 500
  • Positives = 7
  • Percent positive = 1.40%
• Cumulative tests = 8,915
  • Positives = 137
  • Percent positive = 1.54%

Off-campus students

• Tests from 11/23 – 11/29 = 1,544
  • Positives = 31
  • Percent positive = 2.01%
• Cumulative tests = 25,242
  • Positives = 345
  • Percent positive = 1.37%

Employees

• Tests from 11/23 – 11/29 = 788
  • Positives = 5
  • Percent positive = 0.63%
• Cumulative tests = 8,668
  • Positives = 24
  • Percent positive = 0.28%

ASU Cumulative Information

Since August 1, ASU has collected approximately 150,477 (previously 146,878) test results from students and employees.

Our testing increased as we launched the ongoing testing of a statistically-significant percentage of our student and employee population. ASU maintains a low positive incidence with students and with faculty and staff. Also:

• Since the beginning of the fall 2020 semester ASU has tested 82 percent of students living on campus.
• These are tests collected after students provided proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to move into the residence halls before the semester.
• ASU has tested 44 percent of students living off campus.

Cumulative number of positive tests since Aug. 1, 2020

• Students: 3,146 (previously 3,053)
• Faculty and staff:  211 (previously 195)

Cumulative number of individuals no longer positive/medically cleared for release

• Students: 3,265 (previously 3,137)*
• Faculty and staff: 262 (previously 234)**

*This number is based on students who were positive as a result of a Biodesign test. This number also includes ASU students who were positive cases prior to August 1.
** This number includes ASU employees who were positive cases prior to August 1. 

Additional information

Statewide COVID-19 Trend Analysis Produced by ASU Epidemiology Group

Arizona’s positive COVID-19 case count peaked in late June and trended steadily downward until mid-September. Recently, the number of new cases has been climbing. Total positive tests reported for Dec. 3, 2020 is 5,442, and the seven-day trailing average of total positive tests is 4,585. ASU’s  critical COVID-19 trend data is updated daily and accessible by the public.

One value people use to understand the level of viral transmission is Rt, roughly the average number of people subsequently infected by each currently infected person. The Rt for Arizona 1.17, which is an indicator of the level of spread of COVID-19. The level of spread has increased since mid-September. You can also see Arizona’s Rt in comparison to other states.

The statewide COVID Epidemiology Situation Report produced by ASU faculty provides a significant summary of COVID-19 activity at the state and (Maricopa) county level as of December 3, and dating back to April 1.

ASU Support for Statewide Efforts to Combat the Spread of COVID-19

Since the start of the pandemic, ASU has mobilized resources to help the state and our communities combat the spread of COVID-19. Below is a sampling of our ongoing efforts. ASU:

• Landed a $6 million grant to develop a new, portable saliva-based COVID-19 testing device that will deliver results in as little as 20 minutes.
• Established and operates a clinically-approved and certified COVID-19 testing lab
• Developed, deployed and continues to enhance the first saliva-based test in the western U.S.
• Operates COVID-19 testing sites throughout Arizona, testing thousands for the virus each week, including critical infrastructure/utility personnel, first responders and healthcare workers
• Designed, deployed and manages an online network of 3D printers and sewing machines to rapidly produce PPE for local hospitals and health care providers throughout Arizona
• Provides daily key data and analysis to track and predict the spread of the pandemic and its impact
• Launched an online platform with resources for students, parents, educators, remote workers and health care professionals to promote resilience and continued education during the pandemic
• Assists businesses with reopening plans

More information about these efforts can be found in this recently published six-month review of how ASU’s research enterprise and the community have united against the pandemic. 

ASU Actively Monitoring Campus Neighborhood Trends

ASU is well aware that our community extends beyond the borders of our campuses. We work with businesses surrounding our campuses that students and employees often visit so they understand our expectations around enforcing public health protocols during the pandemic. ASU also works with housing developments where large numbers of our students reside to communicate our expectations for conduct and behavior, including the fact that parties and large gatherings that violate public health guidelines are prohibited.

ASU also is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services to analyze and produce data from the zip codes in which our campuses (including residence halls) are located to better understand virus trends at the local level. 

ASU Learning Modes of Operation

Learning Mode 1: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in-person, on-campus without special public health requirements. Instruction is also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses.

Learning Mode 2: Instruction is delivered to students by faculty in a hybrid fashion. Courses are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity and are also available to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements. Students can choose their preferred learning environment to accommodate their needs. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester. This mode will continue until circumstances permit it to move up or require it to move down.

Learning Mode 3: The majority of courses are delivered to students digitally through ASU Sync and iCourses. A limited number of courses that do not translate to a digital environment such as labs and performing arts, are offered in-person, on-campus at a reduced capacity. All faculty, staff and students are required to comply with public health requirements.

Learning Mode 4: Instruction is delivered to students digitally only through ASU Sync, iCourses and ASU Online. There is no in-person classroom instruction at all. 

ASU University Housing Modes of Operation

University Housing Mode 1:  Regular Mode of Operation: Residence halls at full capacity.  External visitors allowed in buildings. 

University Housing Mode 2: Limited Mode of Operations: ASU fills residence halls at lowered capacity to provide for flexibility in self-isolation and quarantine spaces.  Guests in residence hall rooms are limited to those within the hall. This is the mode in which ASU started the fall semester.

University Housing Mode 3: Increase security and enforcement; restrict ingress with no external visitors and one guest per room from within the same residence hall at any given time; de-densify higher risk living configurations with communal bathrooms and communal living situations; housing removal for repeat violations; and facilitate single occupancy and process approved housing License Agreement Release requests. This is the mode ASU is currently operating in.

University Housing Mode 4: Essential Only: Students who have no other options will be allowed to request an exemption to live in residence. 

University Housing Mode 5: Closed: No use of residential halls.

ASU Daily Health Check

ASU continues to monitor health check data for students and employees coming to campus. Overall compliance rates remain consistent.  The HealthCheck platform was designed by Los Angeles-based Safe Health Systems, a startup that advanced as part of the Mayo Clinic and ASU MedTech Accelerator.  It is designed to advise users on appropriate steps to take if they are exhibiting COVID-like symptoms, including staying home, contacting a healthcare provider and potentially getting a COVID-19 test.

*Reduced engagement beginning 10/31 due to app update to allow “off campus” designation by week or extended time.