A University of North Georgia student, who was last on the Gainesville campus two weeks ago, has tested positive for coronavirus.
That's according to university President Bonita Jacobs.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the University of North Georgia is making the university community aware (that) a student in UNG’s Mike Cottrell College of Business reported today that they have tested positive for COVID-19," Jacobs wrote in an email late Wednesday. "The individual was last on the Gainesville Campus on the evening of March 11. The student is being treated at a local hospital."
"According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines," Jacobs added, "it is mandatory for those who have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of notification."
She then goes on to outline a number of oft-repeated guidelines from state and federal health officials as they relate to to COVID-19:
· Health officials are taking precautionary measures to quickly identify cases of COVID-19 and take appropriate public health action to reduce its spread and protect the public in identifying potential contacts. The best prevention measures for any respiratory virus, including COVID-19, are:
o Adhere to social distancing practices and CDC guidance regarding groups and group activity.
o Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
o Stay home when you are sick.
o Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The CDC has also advised that it is important that each of us pay close attention to our overall health, and to any COVID-19 symptoms that may arise. COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19 and develop those symptoms, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away. Call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care center and describe your symptoms.
Jacobs adds "for accurate and reliable information about COVID-19, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/, and monitor UNG’s Coronavirus website for updates."
