Lee student tests positive for COVID-19
Photo by Sydney Pressley
In a Wednesday afternoon email, Dr. Paul Conn confirmed at least one student has tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a personal spring break trip within the United States.
“She stayed in one of our residence halls and was screened by our Health Clinic on Tuesday, March 17,” Conn wrote. “Our Health Clinic staff immediately referred her for testing and placed her in an off-campus quarantine site alone. The other residents who were on her hall and others with whom she interacted during that time were notified promptly.”
Conn asked the Lee family to pray for the student’s recovery, saying her symptoms are mild as she recovers off campus.
“This individual is not experiencing severe symptoms, has not required hospitalization, and is quarantined off campus in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the local Health Department,” Conn wrote.
Lee’s Health Clinic is coordinating with the Bradley County Health Department, which Conn said will make every effort to trace the student’s interactions with others in the community.
Vice President for Information and Marketing Jayson VanHook confirmed the administration is currently unaware of any other cases among the student body.
“This is the only one, and we were only notified of the positive test this morning,” said VanHook.
Emphasizing the need to protect the patient’s privacy, Conn asked individuals to exercise sensitivity and abide by rules related to personal health information and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
In response to the pandemic, Lee continues to conduct classes online via Zoom until April 13. An announcement is expected from Dr. Conn tomorrow after chapel regarding whether that return date will be amended.
“Let me again thank you for partnering with us to help prevent or slow the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and protect the community at large,” Conn wrote. “We will do everything we can to support any affected individuals through what is undoubtedly a difficult time.”
