Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 8, 2021

Opening of Large Institutions of Higher Education and County-Level COVID-19 Incidence — United States, July 6–September 17, 2020

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US counties with large colleges or universities operating with remote instruction (n=22) experienced an 18% decrease in incidence of SARS-CoV-2, while university counties with in-person instruction (n=79) experienced a 56% increase in incidence, comparing the 21-day periods before and after classes started. Counties without large colleges or universities (n=3,009) experienced a 6% decrease in incidence during similar time frames in July and August of 2020. The authors point out that these trends might be especially important for colleges and universities in areas where transmission from students into the broader community could exacerbate existing disparities.

Leidner et al. (Jan 8, 2021). Opening of Large Institutions of Higher Education and County-Level COVID-19 Incidence — United States, July 6–September 17, 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7001a4