Data monitoring
We monitor several key metrics. Any decision to implement contingencies will be based not on a single factor but on a combination of metrics providing insight into the health and safety of the campus community.
Updated: January 20, 2022Here’s what you need to know:
- The university staff monitors metrics at the campus, community, and state levels to make data-driven decisions.
- The university coordinates closely with local and state health officials and constantly monitors CDC guidelines.
Campus data
The university’s emergency operations team monitors campus information in real time, including employee and student active cases and COVID support provided by the university. In the interest of transparency, we are making key campus metrics available here. Data is updated each weekday.
COVID-19 cases
The university tracks reported positive and recovered cases of COVID-19 among students and employees. Positive cases are reported through the COVID support form.
The number of new cases for each day is based on COVID forms indicating a positive COVID-19 test. The number of new cases from prior days is subject to change as active support updated with positive results and as duplicate COVID forms are identified and deducted.
COVID support
The university monitors the number of students and employees actively receiving COVID support. Complete the COVID support form if you test positive for COVID-19, are awaiting a COVID-19 test result, or have developed COVID-19 symptoms. Complete the form if you are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and are a close contact of someone who tests positive for the virus. Individuals who complete the form receive guidance regarding appropriate health and safety measures from the COVID support team. Based on CDC guidance, not everyone who submits a form should isolate or quarantine. Read more about the university’s self-isolation recommendations and procedures.
NOTE: The graph below was previously titled “Active Self-Isolations.” It was updated on August 23, 2021, to reflect changes to university procedures, which now provide more varied levels of support—beyond just self-isolation—based on individual circumstances. The data itself is otherwise unchanged and still represents the number of employees and students who have filled out the university’s form and are actively receiving support.
COVID-19 vaccine
For information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution, visit the vaccine information page.
Community monitoring
Monitoring of community-level data in Knox County is focused on hospital capacity and case trends. University leadership is especially mindful of the need to help local hospitals and avoid overburdening the health care system. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the university has worked closely with the Knox County Health Department to share data, resources, and plans.
View the Knox County Health Department’s COVID-19 data.
Statewide monitoring
Statewide data provides an overview of trends that could affect our region. The university coordinates with the Tennessee Department of Health and state emergency management leaders. The health department has a dashboard with state and county data and information on statewide hospitalizations.