App State COVID-19 cases down despite holding some in-person classes

BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University coronavirus cases are down despite holding some in-person classes, according to health officials.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty visited the campus Wednesday and said he could see the changes to the classrooms. He said plastic now covers many of the chairs, forcing students to social distance.

ALSO READ: How colleges, universities across NC are handling fall semester amid increase in virus cases

On Rivers Street to the heart of campus is where Faherty said he spotted the majority of students wearing face coverings.

“It’s just like the students being cautious about it and everybody caring about other people instead of themselves,” student Loly Amaya said.

The university not only provided face masks but has also set up pop-up testing locations for COVID-19 across campus.

As of Wednesday, 33 students and one employee are in isolation with active cases of the coronavirus, which is a drop from the more than 50 cases reported last week when classes started.

ALSO READ: NC health leaders update guidance for colleges, universities trying to curb virus spread

The university is also requiring facial coverings in common areas and stairwells of residence halls while limiting access to only residents. They have also set up isolation rooms for students who test positive.

Many of the students we spoke with Wednesday believe their actions now will determine what happens this fall.

“I just think everyone just really enjoys being here and wants to continue to stay here and do what we need to do to stay here,” student Ema Veavout said.