Last week’s 157-count dip in positive COVID-19 cases could point towards Georgia Southern being on a downward trend in cases, University President Kyle Marrero told the George-Anne Monday.

“I’m not predicting we’re through it, but we’re certainly seeing signs from our peak, 434, to last week, 277, and this week looks like it’ll lower again,” said University President Kyle Marrero. 

Georgia Southern has reported 842 cases since the first day of classes. This Monday’s weekly COVID-19 report showed GS’ first break from rising case numbers this semester, with a decrease from the week before of 157 cases.

“Georgia Southern’s COVID-19 numbers are reflecting similar trends in the region, state, and country,” according to GS’ reporting website. Georgia’s case numbers continue to climb, nearing January’s all-time record case numbers.

The University of Georgia’s case numbers have continued to double each week since starting their fall semester, and like GS and other schools under the University System of Georgia, they’re combatting COVID-19 without mask or vaccine mandates.

While vaccination and masking remain a personal choice, Marrero strongly advised students wear their masks indoors.

“Your impact, your behaviors may be your individual choice, but you’re impacting your friends, your family, the communities of which you interact,” said Marrero. “So when you’re indoors, think about it more than just your own individual responsibility, but then what it means to your community.”

Marrero bragged on the GS CARES center for taking care of contact tracing on campus.

“I would argue we’re actually more hyper in terms of our mitigation strategies than the norm across most entities,” said Marrero. “One thing that got us through last year and that is getting us through this year is the dedication of our CARES notification team… If you call this morning, or fill out a form and say, ‘I’m symptomatic,’ you’re immediately quarantined.”

Those with positive COVID-19 tests, symptoms of COVID-19 or close contact with COVID-19 are to report to the CARES center.

Duncan Sligh contributed to this article.