TO: University of Idaho Faculty, Staff and Students
FROM: Scott Green, President
DATE: March 30, 2020
SUBJECT: First Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19; Threat to Moscow Campus Low
As we have watched and responded to the spread of coronavirus around the world and right here in Idaho, we knew our Moscow community and campus would eventually be impacted. A dedicated team has been focused on this since late January.
Today, we received word that a member of the Vandal Family, a part-time employee, has a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The employee has not been on the Moscow campus since March 11 and there appears to be no immediate threat to campus. The employee lives in Nez Perce County and the case is counted in that county’s statistics.
According to the Public Health-Idaho North Central District, the only contacts made in their investigation are household members. From what we know of the guidance from the CDC, this employee was not contagious while on campus.
The employee has mild symptoms, has not been hospitalized and is recovering at home. While the concern of exposure is low, the university has notified the co-workers of this employee’s condition and asked them to monitor for any potential symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms should call their healthcare provider for guidance.
Our thoughts are with this employee and their family and we hope for a full and speedy recovery.
The university is committed to communicating about the impact of COVID-19 on our community, whether here in Moscow or around the state. As indicated earlier, if a future, direct threat of COVID-19 is identified, we will use the Vandal Alert email system to notify the community.
It is critical everyone follows the guidance of the state, stays home, maintains social distance and follows basic hygiene tactics, including:
- Wash your hands often, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we continue to do the great work of our University of Idaho.
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
