In the UChicago Forward update sent on Friday, the University reported seven new cases with five close contacts. The weekly Surveillance Testing identified one positive case this past week, making the weekly positivity rate 0.05 percent. Currently no students are isolating on campus, but one student is isolating off campus.

Chicago’s seven-day positivity rate is 2.9 percent, down from 3.2 percent last week, while the statewide seven-day positivity rate has decreased to 2.8 percent this week from 3.1 percent last week.

UChicago has also released the results of a vaccination survey created to assist University planning. The survey garnered more than 15,000 responses, a 52 percent response rate. Self-reported vaccination rates in all groups surveyed are more than 90 percent. 97.7 percent of faculty participants in the survey are fully vaccinated, while 90.6 percent of student respondents are fully vaccinated. The UChicago Forward update noted that the University will soon have additional information about proof-of-vaccination for the autumn 2021 quarter.  

The University also shared revised guidelines for University-sponsored in-person gatherings in  nonacademic settings. Small groups of 2 to 25 people may now meet in indoor or outdoor settings, groups that have between 26 and 99 people are encouraged to be outside but can be indoors, and bigger groups of more than 100 people are strongly encouraged to be outside. All groups need to get University approval to meet in campus facilities and off-campus locations, including restaurants, event venues, and personal residences. Small groups can get approval through a unit’s local process while groups of 26 people or more need to gain approval via an In-Person Programming and Event Request. All groups have been asked to wear masks when appropriate. More details can be found here. 

UChicago Forward also reminded students and members of the UChicago community that test sites will be closed on Sunday, May 30 and Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day. If you are scheduled for a test on May 31, you may go to Rosenwald Hall, Woodlawn Social Service, or wait until Tuesday, June 1 to get a weekly test.