A cluster of positive cases in a UNC residence hall has been reported for the first time in several months.

An alert from UNC shared Wednesday afternoon said a group of students who lived in Carmichael Residence Hall over winter break have tested positive for the coronavirus. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, a “cluster” is defined by a collection of five or more cases.

According to the university, the individuals in this cluster have been identified, are isolating and receiving medical monitoring. The Orange County Health Department is also working with UNC to record the cases and identify additional potential exposures. Additionally, Wednesday’s alert said people identified as close contacts to this cluster have since been identified, have been tested and moved to isolation.

Wednesday is the first day UNC students can begin to return to campus to live in single-occupancy rooms in residence halls for the spring semester. The university announced earlier in January the semester would begin with three weeks of remote learning before planning to resume limited in-person classes for an estimated 3,500 students who have the opportunity to return to the Chapel Hill campus.

During the beginning of the fall semester, UNC saw more than a dozen clusters reported among several residence halls and Greek Life houses. Since February 2020 through the end of the fall semester, UNC has reported 1,446 students and 185 employees as having tested positive on its Carolina Together Dashboard.

 

Photo via Carolina Housing.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
On Air Today: UNC's Public Health Protocols
The Hill's Brighton McConnell and Elle Kehres discuss UNC's community health protocols as students begin to move back onto campus Thursday, August 12. What is the plan for unvaccinated students? Is there re-entry testing? What does the community believe will happen regarding COVID-19 clusters and where can information be found on UNC's coronavirus data?
COVID-19 Cluster Reported at UNC's Avery Residence Hall
UNC has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases at Avery Residence Hall on campus. This is the second COVID-19 cluster identified at UNC in 2021 and the first since the spring semester began on January 19. Earlier this month, a cluster was identified at Carmichael Residence Hall between students who lived on campus during winter […]
456 Referrals of COVID Violations Reported at UNC; Officials Say Most Are 'Mild'
UNC published its first quarterly report on how students adhere to public health guidance. Officials hope it will provide transparency and accountability.
UNC: New COVID-19 Cluster at Rams Village, 13th Reported on Campus
UNC has notified the campus community of another COVID-19 cluster on campus, this time at Rams Village Building #5. This is the 13th COVID-19 cluster reported on the university’s campus. A cluster is five or more positive COVID-19 cases, according to North Carolina Health and Human Services. Officials said the individuals in the cluster have been identified and […]
UNC Gives Students 1 Week to Cancel Housing Contracts, Leave Campus
UNC students who live on campus are being asked by the university to cancel their housing contracts in an effort to lower occupancy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Carolina Housing shared an email with students Tuesday night, saying those who do not qualify for exceptions must have their residence hall contracts canceled by Tuesday, August 25. […]
UNC Locker Room Reactions: Kansas
UNC beat No. 19 Kansas 87-74 at the Smith Center Friday night. Check out what the Tar Heels had to say about the big win: Seth Trimble On snapping UNC’s losing streak vs. Kansas: This game meant so much for us. The history with Kansas and UNC obviously runs so deep. We haven’t beat Kansas in […]
Photo Gallery: UNC vs. Kansas
UNC beat No. 19 Kansas, 87-74, at the Smith Center Friday night. Check out Chapelboro’s photos of the game! Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for […]
UNC Men's Basketball Rides Dominant 2nd Half to Emphatic Win vs. No. 19 Kansas
Carolina dominated No. 19 Kansas in the second half en route an 87-74 win at the Dean Smith Center Friday night. The win is UNC’s first against the Jayhawks since 2002 and snaps a five-game losing streak against them. HEELS WIN.#CarolinaFamily | @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/Ja5jJheSjx — Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) November 8, 2025 “I wanted this new […]
UNC Field Hockey Beats Virginia to Win 9th Consecutive ACC Tournament Title
Dani Mendez scored two goals to haunt her former team and lead UNC to a 4-1 win against Virginia in the ACC Tournament title game in Louisville Friday. The win is Carolina’s ninth straight conference championship and 28th overall. It’s also the 300th ACC title overall for UNC programs. 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐄𝐋𝐒𝐄 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒 […]
Obituary: Former Orange County Commissioner, Environmental Builder Mark Marcoplos
Devoted family man and innovative green builder, county commissioner and civic activist, musician and athlete, Mark Marcoplos passed suddenly on Oct. 19.
›