USC President Caslen warns of unsustainable COVID spread on campus as cases double

University of South Carolina President Robert Caslen is warning the spread of coronavirus on campus is becoming “unsustainable” after the number of cases doubled, he said Thursday.

Between the first day of classes on Aug. 20 and Aug. 25, the number of new coronavirus cases at USC was 183. But on Wednesday an additional 191 people tested positive, Caslen said at a Thursday board of trustees meeting. Nearly all of USC’s cases involve students.

“Am I concerned? Yes, I am, ” Caslen said. “Is it acceptable? No. It’s not. I don’t know if you can sustain 191 positives.”

USC has also quarantined an additional three sorority houses, bringing the total number of sorority houses on campus quarantined to five, Caslen said.

“Frankly, we’re watching Greek Life very closely,” Caslen said.

Though USC is conducting many of its classes in-person, the problem is off-campus social gatherings, Caslen said.

“One of the safest places in Columbia is inside one of our classrooms,” Caslen said. “Outside on campus, almost all of our students are wearing masks, they’re doing the right thing.”

Not all of the news is bad, Caslen said. The school has been able to respond to the increased demand for testing and has been able to conduct contact tracing, reaching 88% of the necessary people in the first 24 hours, he said.

Caslen warned students they would face suspension if they violate quarantine or are caught hosting house parties.

“We could look at shutdown options,” if cases continue to increase, Caslen said. “I’m not prepared to drop the health of the entire student body on the city of Columbia.”

Some of USC’s peers, such as the University of North Carolina and N.C. State, have shuttered campus shortly after resuming classes because of surging COVID 19 cases.

On Thursday, Columbia City Council gave final approval to amending the city’s zoning code to penalize landlords whose properties are cited for not obeying executive orders issued by the governor or any law aimed at addressing a public health concern. The new rules go into effect immediately.

The new ordinance is particularly aimed at college students returning to Columbia.

Violations of the ordinance will result in 10 “points,” a serious violation under the city’s zoning laws that comes with a $1,000 fine. If a property owner accumulates 15 total points, their rental permit may be revoked.

This story was originally published August 27, 2020 at 2:26 PM.