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The number of Texas Christian University students who have tested positive for the new coronavirus has more than doubled in just a few days.
On Wednesday afternoon, the school website reported 257 active cases, up from 111 that TCU reported on Monday.
Nearly all the patients were students, with only two faculty members testing positive, according to the university’s data.
Most of the student cases — 149 — came from students living in off-campus housing. The rest, 106, were reported from those living on campus. TCU’s website said students who tested positive were in isolation.
TCU did not respond to The Dallas Morning News’ request for comment.
In an Aug. 18 memo, Kathy Cavin-Tull, chancellor of student affairs, had urged students to not attend or host parties. She pointed to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Notre Dame, which both pivoted to virtual learning after surges on their campuses.
“However, if TCU faces a significant coronavirus outbreak on campus, we will have to make swift decisions about our learning environment,” Cavin-Tull wrote in the memo.
During the summer, when few students and staffers were on campus, TCU reported 98 positive tests for COVID-19 in July and 152 in June. TCU has recorded a total of 529 cases since March, including 271 people who have recovered.
Among North Texas’ nine largest universities, that is the most significant reported spread of the virus.
“The big thing is you don’t know who has it and who doesn’t, because some students aren’t saying if they’re positive or not,” Diandria Beals, a TCU senior, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which first reported on TCU’s case increase.
The school’s website also said that more than 65% of the isolation beds at TCU were available. The school designated separated areas for those who need to be quarantined.
Other universities around North Texas have also seen increases in cases as the new semester has begun.
Southern Methodist University, for example, reported 14 more positive tests Wednesday, 13 in students and one involving a faculty member. Seven of the new cases were reported by students living on campus.
Many colleges, including TCU, do not have a mandatory testing policy for students. TCU’s website notes that those with symptoms can request a test at the campus health center or get a test on their own. Students are asked to report those test results to the university. Students also fill out daily health questionnaires.