Purdue increases surveillance testing, monitoring as nation’s numbers rise

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As cases of COVID-19 rise around the nation, state and Tippecanoe County, Purdue continues to evolve its testing, tracing, monitoring and managing of cases on the West Lafayette campus. 

In numbers released on Thursday’s (Oct. 29) dashboard, Purdue reported 270 positive cases in the past seven days and 60 positive cases on Tuesday (Oct. 27). Nearly 70% of cases are associated with activities in congregate living organizations. 

Purdue has increased surveillance testing of congregate spaces with immediate intervention, quarantine and isolation when warranted. As of Thursday, 38 congregate living spaces were under partial quarantine and five under full quarantine. The university reports no increase in severity of those students who have tested positive. 

“The advent of colder weather and more indoor activity is absolutely contributing to some of the increases we are seeing nationwide and here,” said Dr. Esteban Ramirez, Purdue’s medical director. “As we have done for the past months, we closely monitor each day and respond immediately to changes. We know where the preponderance of cases are, and we have a specific strategy to address and mitigate. We are proactively evolving and increasing our surveillance testing, which enables us to intervene quickly to limit the spread. We will continue to be vigilant and continue to urge everyone in our community to mask up, follow social distancing guidelines and protect each other as we go into these next critical weeks.”

Purdue President Mitch Daniels on Thursday released a new video message to Purdue faculty, staff and students, urging ongoing vigilance and asking the community to recommit to the Protect Purdue pledge.