Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach Campus Sees Increase in Covid-19 Cases

An increase of Covid-19 cases originating from athletics teams on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach Campus affected 11 student-athletes, prompting the university to implement a campus-wide seven-day safety shutdown on Oct. 13 of all athletics programs.

In total, the Daytona Beach Campus reported 22 confirmed positive cases of Covid-19 this week. The Prescott Campus reported 0 positive cases for the second consecutive week.

As previously reported, most current cases tend to be symptomatic individuals who seek help from Embry-Riddle’s health services professionals. The overwhelming majority of students, faculty and staff continue to adhere to Embry-Riddle’s strict health protocols.

Embry-Riddle reports its test results every Friday. Our latest results are shown below. These numbers are cumulative, captured since our testing began:

Daytona Beach Campus (since June 22):

• 3,248  individuals tested by Embry-Riddle (screening & contact type)
• 1,203 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle (sentinel type)
• 63 cases confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
• 19 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
• 1 previously confirmed case

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 83

Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 57

Total Cases Active/Under Care: 26

Prescott Campus (since June 22):

• 1,695 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle (screening & contact type)
• 288 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle (sentinel type)
• 17 cases confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
• 15 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
• 5 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 37

Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 37

Total Cases Active/Under Care: 0

Worldwide Campus (since June 22):

• 1 case confirmed positive through external testing
• 3 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 4

Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 4

Total Cases Active/Under Care: 0

Only confirmed (not suspected) cases are reported. All confirmed cases are fully disclosed to the university community as well as all appropriate health authorities. Embry-Riddle’s Covid-19 test results are released every Friday.

The university is leveraging a multi-pronged testing strategy as follows:

• Screening and Contact Testing focuses on assessing key groups (i.e., Flight, Athletics, ROTC, on-campus, off-campus and so on) to capture a fair “snapshot” of the university as a whole.
• Sentinel Testing focuses on students living in large group setting, where close contact may increase the risk of spread. 
• Rapid Testing is specifically for symptomatic individuals. 
• Wastewater Analysis is guiding Embry-Riddle’s testing efforts.

Health Reminders

• If you are sick, or have been on a cruise or in close contact with someone with Covid-19, do not come onto Embry-Riddle’s campuses.
• In case of difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911.
• Please promptly report any concerning symptoms (i.e., fever, cough or congestion) to the health services or campus safety unit on your campus:

Daytona Beach Health Services       386-226-7917
Daytona Beach Campus Safety       386-226-SAFE (7233)
Prescott Wellness Center                 928-777-6653
Prescott Campus Safety                    928-777-3333

All students are urged to download and use Embry-Riddle’s new EagleGuardian smartphone app. In an emergency, this app allows students to contact Campus Safety with the touch of a button. The app also has a locator feature that will help first responders reach students quickly.

Safety Requirements

• Everyone must have a wellness check every 24 hours before spending time at Embry-Riddle.
• Face coverings are mandatory in all common areas, both indoors and outdoors.
• Physical distancing (six feet apart) is also required at all times.
• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
• Get your flu shot as early as possible.
• Those selected to undergo mandatory diagnostic Covid-19 testing must self-quarantine if they are instructed to do so. (Note: Self-quarantine is generally not necessary for sentinel testing, as outlined above, but it is required for screening and contact testing as well as rapid testing.)

Please review our Covid-19 information page and Frequently Asked Questions.

Consequences for High-Risk Behavior

Any student engaging in high-risk behaviors that put the university community at risk may be in violation of student Honor Codes or Standards of Conduct.

Students who willfully violate Embry-Riddle rules will be subject to disciplinary action, potentially including immediate expulsion without a refund. For Daytona Beach Campus students, refer to the Honor Code, and in particular, the Failure to Comply section. For Prescott Campus students, the Standards of Conduct can be found here; the Failure to Comply section is on page 22. 

Any employee who refuses to comply should be reported to Human Resources, as outlined in the APPM. Faculty or staff who fail to wear a face covering, get a wellness check or Covid-19 test if instructed, or follow other university safety rules will be subject to disciplinary action.