As it deals with its biggest Covid outbreak yet during the fall semester, which it said includes "probable” Omicron cases, Tulane University will once again require masks for all campus buildings.
On April 19, 2008, there was a view of the hall at the university. Kaehler/ LightRocket via Getty Images.
LightRocket is via a photo.
On Monday, the university said a student living off campus had tested positive for omicron, with Friday's update suggesting there are now multiple omicron cases at the New Orleans-based university.
In the past three days, at least 74 students and staff have tested positive for Covid-19.
Forbes asked how many of those cases are due to the omicron variant, but the Tulane did not reply.
The university started testing 2,500 community members per day this week.
Everyone on the campus must wear masks starting today.
Louisiana is one of at least 19 states where the omicron variant has been detected. Thirty of the 37 probable or confirmed omicron cases are in the New Orleans area. The omicron variant of the coronaviruses was discovered in South Africa on November 24 and health officials around the U.S. are urging caution. The people who haven't had a Covid shot are being urged to get one. The winter could lead to increased transmission as people spend more time indoors to escape the cold weather. College campuses were a major source of coronavirus transmission last year, but case rates have decreased this fall after a summer surge.
Regular classes will continue through December 21 at Tulane despite many universities going through finals periods. The end of classes were delayed by more than a week because of disruptions caused by Hurricane Ida.
The Louisiana Department of Health reports 20 more cases.
Americans are concerned about Omicron, but won't change their plans.
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