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The University of Georgia reports more than 1,400 new COVID-19 cases

COVID-19 cases continue to increase on college campuses across the country, including here in Georgia.

The University of Georgia reports another increase: more than 1,400 new positive tests.

Health officials said the number on campuses throughout the state could be much higher.

Experts said that some universities are using a hybrid of campus testing as well as information provided by students.

We were told that when you rely on self-report, generally, some cases may go unreported.

The UGA said that 99% of its new cases are among students.

At Georgia Tech, they have had nearly 900 positive cases since March.

"While that's the number we have, in itself it's a bit alarming," explained microbiologist Amber Schmidtke. "It may not fully reflect what the burden of disease is."

In a statement, UGA said that this increase appears to be a direct result of off-campus activities.

On Thursday, President Trump spoke about the virus in universities.

"According to recent data from more than 20 universities, not a single student who tested positive for the virus has been hospitalized."

Dr. Schmidtke is tracking the coronavirus outbreak in Georgia.

"Students are as involved in maintaining security on their campus as faulty staff," he detailed.

In Georgia Southern, their numbers appear to be declining.

However, Bulloch County's test positivity rate is 25 percent for the past two weeks.

"I'm very disappointed in the school right now," said Southern senior Dennis Gordon

GSU students spoke with us about their concerns.

"I am very susceptible to disease," student Erykah Howard.

So having to go to class is definitely a concern because I don't know what I might be getting into.

This week's White House Coronavirus Task Force report urges Georgia schools to recruit students to help with… campus outreach and contact tracing.

"I think many of the universities and colleges have been reluctant to do their own contact tracing on the spot due to regulations. They have been caving in to the public health department but the workforce has been over-taxed and underfunded. , therefore, it has not been able to satisfy the demand for cases ".

With flu season just around the corner, Dr. Schmidtke said get vaccinated as soon as possible.

"We don't want both infections to occur at roughly the same time in the same person."

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