Three more members of University of Delaware community now believed to have coronavirus

632
Advertisement

The number of presumptive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases tied to members of the  University of Delaware community has risen to four. 

Three individuals are under the age of 30 and are associated with the University of Delaware community. 

The Delaware Division of Public Health reported the individuals are not severely ill and are currently “self-isolated at home.”

The individuals were exposed to the same confirmed case of COVID-19 in another state as the first Delaware case, which involved a UD faculty member. 

Epidemiologists from the Division of Public Health are working with the patients to identify any close contacts of these individuals who were possibly exposed. If other people are found to have possibly been exposed, state health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

Advertisement

DPH will not disclose additional information about the individuals.

“We understand that news of additional cases is concerning to students, staff, and families in the University of Delaware community,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “However, DPH is working closely with the administration at the University of Delaware on their coronavirus disease response.” 

“I realize this news may be distressing as the number of cases nationally continues to increase. Please know that our leadership team is meeting continually to evaluate this changing situation in order to make decisions that are informed by guidance from state and national health officials,”   President Dennis Assanis wrote in a letter to the UD community.  “All of our decisions are focused on the health and safety of our campus environment as a top priority. And operationally, we will do everything we can to maintain our students’ academic continuity and progress so that we can return to the daily rhythm of university life as soon as possible.”

The university has dismissed classes for the rest of the week, with spring break coming next week. The university is expected to teach classes online.

DPH has issued the following guidance for the University of Delaware community:

  • Close contacts of these individuals, whether or not they have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, may return home during University of Delaware’s spring break. These individuals may not use public transportation to get home. They will need to remain home for at least 14 days after last contact with positive cases.
  • Individuals who did not have contact with these individuals can return home and go about their daily lives. They should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their primary contact provider if symptoms appear.

Students, faculty, and staff who have general questions about the University of Delaware’s response to COVID-19 can contact the University of Delaware’s Call Center at (302) 831-1188 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Advertisement
Advertisement