The total number of students who have tested positive for COVID-19 has increased from 299 to 308 as of Nov. 14, according to the Matadors Forward website.

While there are no new COVID-19 cases from independent contractors, nine more students and two employees have tested positive since the website was last updated on Nov. 8. Those who were possibly exposed to any of these new cases have been notified. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, there is currently no outbreak of the virus at CSUN.

According to the trend graphs, this is the third spike in positive cases recorded among students in a single week. The last two peaks were the week of Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, and Oct. 25 to Oct. 31.

With the Thanksgiving break ahead, students and employees will be travelling and meeting with others much more frequently than before, which may cause a rise in cases similar to what was witnessed during the winter of 2020.

“Unfortunately, it’s very difficult for public health officials to predict what the winter will bring,” said Dr. Yolanda Reid Chassiakos, executive director and chief medical officer at the Klotz Student Health Center.

Regardless of whether an individual is traveling or not, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends that everyone becomes fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of COVID transmission or infection. Preventative measures like handwashing, social distancing, wearing masks and regularly disinfecting commonly-used surfaces can also help.