SRU administration confirmed that a student who was on campus within the past 14 days tested positive for COVID-19.
SRU students received an email Thursday at 5 p.m. about the positive case. SRU administration was first informed of the positive case earlier in the day.
According to SRU’s COVID-19 case webpage, which will keep a tally of all new and cumulative cases between students and faculty or staff, the tally includes all persons who have been on SRU’s campus within the past 14 days prior to receiving a positive result.
“Those that have tested positive are either isolating in a designated location on campus or at their off-campus residence with medical guidance being provided by Student Health Services and/or their personal health care professional until they recover,” the webpage reads.
According to the email students received Thursday evening, the university is assisting the Pennsylvania Department of Health with contact tracing. Anyone who was in contact with the individual will be instructed on appropriate response protocols, which include self-quarantining for 14 days, according to SRU’s COVID-19 communication page.
“When we become aware of a positive or suspected case, the Student Health Center communicates with the student to provide health guidance including how to properly isolate,” David Wilmes, chief student affairs officer, said via an emailed statement. “Working with the local department of health, we identify close contacts of the individual to inform them they have been exposed. The health center continues to monitor and communicate with the student until the virus has run its course.”
Wilmes did not specify if the student was an on-campus resident or lived off campus. According to SRU’s COVID-19 case webpage, no information regarding the identity of any persons will be released.
Wilmes emphasized that students should social distance, wear their masks and practice good hand washing hygiene whether they live on or off campus.
“It is going to take all of us making an effort to beat this virus,” Wilmes said. “If we want to get back in the classroom, we all have to follow public health guidelines to reduce the spread of the disease.”
The information about the number of positive cases will be updated weekly here, and there will not be email notifications for each new positive case.
The Rocket is committed to bringing you the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak. We have a section on our website with complete coverage HERE.
