The U.S. is experiencing a rise in new coronavirus cases linked to universities and schools across the country.
University of Missouri Reports Nearly 160 Active Cases
At the University of Missouri, 159 confirmed COVID-19 cases remain active, the school's coronavirus dashboard showed Monday.
The school had 168 confirmed coronavirus infections reported since Aug. 19. The Boone County department of public health and human services has been sending data to the school since the middle of August.
University of Missouri isn't the only tertiary institution that has seen infections over the past months as the U.S. continues to record a steady rise in new cases.
Fifty-one New Cases at Georgia Tech
At Georgia Institute of Technology 51 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported Sunday - prompting the school's administration to quarantine a fraternity where at least 17 more members tested positive.
The fraternity cluster at the university in Atlanta initially logged eight confirmed infections only but as of Saturday the number had risen into double digits.
The school said in a statement that the fraternity house would be turned into a quarantine site as part of efforts to curb further transmissions.
University of Montevallo Lays Down Ground Rules
The University of Montevallo in Alabama said it would continue with in person classes this fall but its President Dr. John Stewart III said students should still adhere to the ground rules of anticoronavirus measures.
Stewart said the use of face masks was still required on campus at all times. Face masks can only be removed in places like private cars and residences.
Students who fail to follow campus rules will be removed from both university housing and classes. The rules were announced because of concerns about off-campus parties increasing transmissions among students.
Stewart said students who were suspended for violating COVID-19 rules won't receive any refunds.
Universities Struggle with Clusters Linked to Large Group Gatherings
Over the past few weeks cluster infections have been linked to multiple universities across nearly 20 states in the U.S.
Last week, more than 20 students from Syracuse University were suspended following what the dean of students referred to as "incredibly reckless behavior."
The suspended students gathered at a campus quad in the evening. These assemblies aren't uncommon at many universities. Students continue to gather in groups despite repeated warnings from health experts.
Health authorities have encouraged universities to implement stricter social-distancing measures following the restarting of in person classes.
As of Monday the U.S. had 5,915,630 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 181,114 deaths.
