YSU announces updates to COVID-19 contact tracing protocols

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State University has announced an update to their COVID contact tracing protocols.
According to the release, the update reflects a shift from universal contact tracing, case investigation and exposure notification to a cluster-based model.
When a positive case is reported in a classroom setting, students and faculty in the class will receive an email to let them know that they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive.
The email will recommend that all close contacts test for COVID-19 at day five of exposure in accordance with CDC best practices.
Contact tracing for other settings will remain the same.
YSU officials say that anyone who has tested positive or has been in close contact with someone positive should still complete the online COVID reporting form.
There were 14 COVID cases at YSU during the week of February 6-12. All 11 student cases were in people that live off-campus while three cases were among employees.
The 14 cases were the lowest amount of weekly cases since the week of August 15-21.