Meredith Confirms its First Cluster

Photo courtesy of VisitRaleigh

As of Thursday, Aug. 27 at 10:20 p.m., the numbers provided below were the most accurate available. However, if you wish to review the most recent data please refer to Meredith's COVID-19 tracking page.

At 3:38 p.m. today, Meredith administration sent an email to students confirming the first identifiable COVID-19 cluster pertaining to Meredith students. A cluster is identified as five or more cases within close proximity. For example, if six people were to test positive in a residence hall, it would be considered a cluster.

The event in question occurred on campus on Aug. 17, Meredith’s first day of class, and the event was not sanctioned or sponsored by the college. This brings Meredith’s student case count to a total of 17 positive test results. With approximately 2,000 students, that equates to roughly 0.85% of the student population, compared to UNC-Chapel Hill, which had nearly 3.1% of their student body test positive prior to moving fully online. Under FERPA and HIPAA privacy regulations, Meredith College is unable to provide additional details about student cases. The Meredith COVID-19 response team will continue to send updates regarding contact tracing and campus cases.

By Elinor Shelp-Peck, Co-Editor in Chief