Thirty-six positive COVID-19 cases between Sept. 12-18 were reported by the University of St. Thomas’ Center for Well-Being Monday, a jump from last week’s count of 9.

Three of the 36 positive tests came from St. Thomas employees. Thirty-four cases were at the St. Paul campus, while the other two came from the Minneapolis campus.

Although the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is up 27 from last week, President Julie Sullivan stated in an email to students, faculty and staff that the university anticipated this spike in cases.

“No one needs to panic right now, but no one should become complacent, either,” she wrote, emphasizing the severity of the virus.

“These next few weeks will be absolutely critical in determining if we can remain open for in-person instruction,” Sullivan wrote. “If we can stabilize our number of positive cases, we will be in a strong position.”

Sullivan stressed to follow the Campus Preparedness Plan and noted community members should continue to social distance and wear face coverings at all times indoors and outdoors when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

There is currently no evidence of virus transmission in the classroom or in on-campus facilities. Sullivan cited some of the rise in cases to off-campus gatherings and residence hall guests.

“So far, it appears these gatherings have been small and relatively subdued,” Sullivan wrote. “These remind us that gatherings do not need to be large to put people at risk.”

Suillivan also noted that “most of our community members” with COVID-19 are experiencing mild symptoms, and that “most of the impacted individuals” are in quarantine or isolation off campus.

Quarantine and isolation locations on campus currently have “more than 50% availability” according to the COVID-19 Dashboard.

These numbers come from self-reported tests as well as tests conducted at the Center for Well-Being. Tests are currently being turned around in less than 48 hours on average.

COVID-19 data is released by St. Thomas weekly on Mondays and can be found on the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

Emily Haugen, Joey Swanson, Justin Amaker, Natalie Hoepner and Maggie Stout contributed to this report.