FRANKLIN — Franklin College is moving to online-only classes next week after an increase in COVID-19 cases on campus.
In a letter to the campus posted online, Franklin College President Kerry Prather said weekly surveillance began last week for student-athletes with the initiation of practice activities. Last week's testing revealed one positive COVID-19 case out of 46 student-athletes tested.
Prather said this week's test results showed 15 positive COVID-19 results out of 73 student-athletes tested.
"This higher rate of positivity is concerning and unusual, especially compared with the sample of a week prior," Prather said. "In order to fully assess the extent of that phenomenon, we need to verify the accuracy of that particular testing, obtain test results from a wider sample of the student population, and have time to analyze that data in order to make appropriate decisions to ensure the safety of our community."
In the letter, Prather said all in-person athletic activity is suspended for the week, effective now. Classes will be delivered remotely only and all co-curricular activities will be offered exclusively virtual.
"Students are welcome to remain on campus, but monitoring of appropriate mitigation strategies will be heightened in all settings," Prather said.
