UNC Wilmington on Monday announced that a cluster of seven positive COVID-19 tests have been linked to the schools swimming and diving team.
Individuals who’ve tested positive have been isolated and receiving medical monitoring and treatment. UNCW did not release names of anyone testing positive.
From the university statement:
The university has informed the New Hanover County Health Department, and contact tracing has been initiated with direct communication to anyone determined to have been in close contact with a COVID-19-positive individual. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes when either person has not been wearing a face covering. Those identified as a close contact will be notified directly and provided with further guidance.
Per the university’s dashboard, 524 students have tested positive for COVID-19 since they began testing in July. Active cases (as defined by positives over the last 14 days) include 29 on-campus students, 46 off-campus students and one member of the faculty.
Clusters among athletics programs have become common as a function of sheer proximity. UNC Wilmington has already had one outbreak within athletics last week, with positive tests on the men’s soccer, women’s basketball and softball teams. UNC Wilmington is in its first year under alumnus Bobby Guntoro.