UPDATE: The impacted individual lives and has self-isolated off campus in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The first case of COVID-19 on Penn State’s University Park campus was confirmed today and a PSUAlert was disseminated to the University community as required by the Clery Act and per Department of Education guidelines around community notification of a first case on campus.
University Health Services has protocols in place for identifying, testing and isolating potential cases and Environmental Health and Safety will take necessary action on campus property consistent with established health and safety practices. It is important to note that the great majority of the University Park campus community is working and learning remotely. The well-being of our community is our first priority.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has protocols for testing, announcing and advising cases — including contact tracing — along with individuals’ healthcare professionals. It is up to public health authorities to determine what information is shared publicly in the interest of public health and in accordance with relevant privacy requirements.
Of course, we wish all members of the community a full recovery should they test positive for COVID-19.
Penn State has implemented many changes based on the pandemic facing our world and community, and in accordance with state and federal governmental and public health directives. Positive cases further underscore the importance of the steps the University has instituted including: self-quarantine guidelines, remote learning and telecommuting, cancellation of events and other social distancing strategies.
The health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and we implore all to follow the latest prevention guidelines that have been published widely. According to the CDC, anyone who feels sick should seek medical advice by first calling ahead to your doctor or an emergency room. Medical professionals are in the best position to recommend whether further action is needed.
- Students: University Health Services will only see patients with a scheduled appointment and will not be accepting walk-ins. Students experiencing upper respiratory infection or flu-like illness, will need to call the UHS Advice Nurse line at 814-863-4463 prior to having an appointment scheduled. Students at Commonwealth Campuses should contact their on-campus health services office.
- Faculty/staff: Call your primary care provider.
For the latest updates and information about Penn State’s response to the ongoing coronavirus situation, visit psu.edu/virusinfo.