Butte County Public Health say 'it's no coincidence' cases spiked as Chico State students return

Nearly 200 new cases over the weekend and Butte County says gatherings among college-aged individuals could be the main reason numbers spiked this week.

And a majority of those positive cases are in the city of chico.

Action news now reporter esteban reynoso is live at chico state.

Esteban, you spoke with butte county health department, what did they have to say about these outbreaks?

Butte county says gatherings among college aged individuals could be the main reason numbers spiked this week.

"i think that it's no coincidence that within the last couple of weeks we've had thousands of students return to butte county and more specifically the chico area" students were able to return to chico state for the fall semester, with some classes being offered in- person.

"and now we're seeing a steady abd sharp increase in college aged individuals ages 18 to 24."

The city of chico accounts for nearly 60% of all butte county cases.

As total positive cases surpasses 2,000.

"i think it's most likely that people ages 18 to 24 are not practicing prevention actions like face coverings, keeping their distant from others that do not live in their homes, and their definitely not avoiding gatherings, they need to stop gathering with people who they do not live with."

Now that students arent going to be around again, local businesses like aonami once had hope students would return "the lack of business is because of the virus, you know so, because revenue is down so is our payroll, so our payroll has to go down to match that.

We don't have that student population to staff our businesses."

Some students felt that coming back to campus would've spelled more covid-19 cases.

"honestly it was what i expected.

I know at least like two frats who through like pretty big parties, like i'm not surprised."

Chico state says if parties continue, they will educate students there, but could take disciplinary action from suspension to expolsion.

Live in chico, esteban reynoso for action news now coverage you can count on.

Action news now spoke with university police last week who say they are in conversation with the city to possibly fine students who throw parties.