The University of Arizona will increase the size of in-person classes, just two weeks after in-person instruction returned to campus, President Robert C. Robbins and other campus leaders said during Monday’s weekly coronavirus update.
Starting Monday, Oct. 26, class sizes will be increased from 30 to 50 for classes that were designated as “in-person” or “flex in-person” at the start of the fall semester. Before last week, the only in-person classes were ones deemed “essential,” such as research labs and performing arts, with most classes being held online.
Robbins also announced Monday that students will be asked to fill out a survey detailing their travel plans before Thanksgiving break.
Those students traveling outside of the Tucson area for the holidays be encouraged to finish the semester remotely.
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The efforts are part of a university-wide testing blitz that will start weeks before the holiday, and amid efforts from some local officials to require negative tests before a return to campus.
The UA will be offering diagnostic nasal swab antigen and PCR tests and antibody blood-draws by appointment only, with registration opening on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9.
“Our primary goal is to minimize the impact of student travel on community spread of COVID-19,” Robbins said.
As of Monday, the University of Arizona has reported more than 2,400 positive tests since Aug. 4. Over the last 10 days, there have been 44 new cases out of 6,867 tests, good for a percent positive of 0.6%.
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Photos: In Tucson, face masks are for more than just people
Face masks on objects
A Jeep sports with eyes like those from the movie "Cars" sports a COVID19 mask outside Alpha Graphics near the corner of Tanque Verde and Kolb, Tucson, Ariz., July 3, 2020.
Face masks on objects
The large Tiki head at the entrance of The Hut, 305 N. 4th Ave., wears a mask in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Tucson, Ariz., on April 5, 2020.
Face masks on objects
The noted bull testicles on the statue outside Casa Molina at Speedway and Wilmot, usually painted in various schemes and wild colors, are in these CONVID19 times now sporting a face mask, March 27, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Face masks on objects
A dinosaur statue over the doors of MATS Dojo at 5929 E. 22nd St., sports an athletic cup for a face mask in the second week of COVID-19 restrictions, March 31, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Face masks on objects
The venerable T-Rex outside the McDonald's at Grant and Tanque Verde comes around late, but strong, to the mask game, May 13, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Face masks on objects
The iconic Casa Molina bull and matador statue both sported masks on the first full week of the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in mid-May.
Face masks on objects
Father Kino's horse practice safe social interaction by wearing a mask even if Father Kino himself isn't. The statue sits at Cherry Fields at 15th Street and Kino Boulevard, Saturday, May 2, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Contact reporter Justin Sayers at jsayers1@tucson.comor 573-4192. Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Facebook: JustinSSayers.
Justin Sayers
Reporter
