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Coronavirus updates: University suspends students over growing cluster of cases

The university made the decision following a rise in positive cases.

ByWilliam Mansell and Matt Zarrell
Last Updated: September 8, 2020, 2:09 PM EDT

A pandemic of the novel coronavirus has now killed more than 866,000 people worldwide.

Over 26.2 million people across the globe have been diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new respiratory virus, according to data compiled by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. The criteria for diagnosis -- through clinical means or a lab test -- has varied from country-to-country. Still, the actual numbers are believed to be much higher due to testing shortages, many unreported cases and suspicions that some national governments are hiding or downplaying the scope of their outbreaks.

Since the first cases were detected in China in December, the virus has rapidly spread to every continent except Antarctica.

The United States is the worst-affected country, with more than 6.1 million diagnosed cases and at least 186,754 deaths.

California has the most cases of any U.S. state, with more than 724,000 people diagnosed, according to Johns Hopkins data. California is followed by Texas and Florida, with over 644,000 cases and over 637,000 cases, respectively.

Nearly 170 vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are being tracked by the World Health Organization, six of which are in crucial phase 3 trials.

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Here's how the news developed Thursday. All times Eastern.
Sep 03, 2020, 11:40 AM EDT

Malls, casinos in New York to reopen

Malls in New York City can reopen at 50% capacity on Sept. 9, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Thursday.

The malls must have enhanced filtration systems and additional staff will be required to help control foot traffic.

There will still be no indoor dining in the malls, Cuomo said. The governor would not commit to when indoor dining would resume in New York City.

"My opinion is restaurants should open. The question is how?" he said.

Casinos in the state have also been authorized to reopen on Sept. 9 at 25% capacity -- they must also have a filtration system in place and occupants must follow social distancing guidelines.

Cuomo was also asked about a letter the CDC sent to states telling them to prepare for a vaccine by Nov. 1. The governor said the state's Department of Health would review all the protocols and research before recommending any New Yorkers take a vaccine.

"The President says he's going to have a vaccine -- the CDC is talking about a vaccine in early November. How convenient. It's going to be an Election Day miracle," Cuomo said.

Sep 03, 2020, 10:37 AM EDT

Temple University suspends in-person learning for fall semester amid rise in cases

Temple University announced on Thursday it will now have virtual learning for the entire fall semester after a rise in cases among students at the school.

"In light of the recent increase in positive test results among our students, and after consultation with our own healthcare professionals and leaders at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, we have concluded that the data indicate it is time to pivot to primarily online education," university President Richard Englert said in a statement.

Only "essential in-person teaching" at the university's domestic campuses will continue for the rest of the fall semester -- this applies only to courses where "educational objectives" cannot be reached without some in-person instruction.

The university estimated that 95% of classes would become virtual.

Any student that is using university housing and chooses to leave by Sept. 13 will be given a full refund for housing and meal plan charges for the semester. Students who wish to remain in university housing may do so, the school said.

Sep 03, 2020, 6:55 AM EDT

Over 800 students positive at University of Georgia

The University of Georgia reported that more than 800 people on campus have tested positive for COVID-19. Data released Wednesday showed that 798 students, 19 staff members and four faculty members tested positive following the first week of classes.

"The rise in positive tests last week is concerning. It is critically important that all of our students continue to make every effort to prioritize their health and safety by taking the proper steps to avoid exposure to this virus," UGA President Jere W. Morehead said in a statement Wednesday. "... And, for those of you heading out of town over the Labor Day weekend, be very careful and think about the health of everyone around you. All of us must take our responsibilities very seriously as we seek to reduce the spread of COVID-19."

One professor at UGA said while the number of confirmed diagnosed cases is concerning, he believes the true numbers could be much higher.

Dr. Mark Ebell, an epidemiology professor at UGA, told ABC affiliate WSB in Atlanta that he believes, based on test data, that another 2,000 asymptomatic students could be on campus right now.

He said those who tested positive are those "who had a cough, fever and knew they were sick and reported the diseases."

The state of Georgia has more than 274,000 diagnosed cases of coronavirus, with at least 5,795 deaths.

Colleges and universities throughout the country are seeing a rise in cases and students come back to campus. At the University of Indiana, 30 Greek Houses, which have over 1,000 students, have been told to quarantine due to COVID-19.