By Maryann Xue , Eva Surovell and Ava MacBlane
February 22, 2021

The University’s COVID-19 tracker reported 252 new cases Thursday through Sunday, bringing the total number of active cases at the University to 840. This more than doubles the 108 new cases reported over the same four-day period last week.

The update comes after the tracker posted two record-breaking caseloads last week on both Monday and Tuesday, which saw 121 and 229 cases, respectively. Following the increase in caseloads, University leadership implemented additional restrictions, banning all in-person gatherings and urging students to remain inside their residences unless absolutely necessary. University leadership will consider lifting the restrictions Friday.

The University also confirmed the presence of the B.1.1.7 U.K. variant in the community on Feb. 12, but has declined to disclose the number of cases related to the variant due to “concern for the privacy of the individuals involved,” according to University Spokesperson Brian Coy.

Despite speculation on social media that in-person elements of Greek life recruitment were the primary reason for the rise in caseloads, University leadership has maintained that the Greek community is not the main contributor to the increase, most recently reinforcing this at its town hall Friday.

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