TO: University of Idaho Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM: Scott Green, President
DATE: April 1, 2020
SUBJECT: Three Students and First Latah County Resident Diagnosed with COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to shape our day-to-day lives and drives much of our focus at the University of Idaho right now. Thank you for everything each of you is doing to help us slow the spread of this virus – by social distancing and staying home when possible.
Our Moscow community and Vandal Family were both impacted by COVID-19 today. We received word that three Vandals as well as a Latah County resident have been diagnosed with the virus. We also became aware of a case involving a Whitman County resident who was on the Moscow campus early last week.
An 18-year-old student who moved out of the residence halls Sunday confirmed positive with COVID-19 today in Canyon County. He was on campus last week. The student is experiencing mild symptoms and is recovering at home. University staff is contacting those who may have been exposed on campus and preparing to isolate affected students. We strongly encourage students on campus who may have been exposed to self-isolate in place to protect themselves and others and for all students to follow social distancing guidelines. Staff members working in the area are also being notified.
A 21-year-old student was diagnosed with COVID-19 Tuesday. He is a Boise-based student and had last been in class March 19 in the Boise Water Center. He had mild symptoms and continues to be self-isolating at home. Those who may have come in contact with him have been notified of possible exposure.
A 38-year-old distance education graduate student was diagnosed with COVID-19 recently. He engages with U of I electronically and lives out of state.
Public Health – Idaho North Central District announced today the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Latah County. The individual is in their 60s and is recovering at home. This case appears to be travel related, according to Public Health. There is no known connection to U of I.
A man aged 30-39 who was diagnosed in Whitman County was on our Moscow campus Tuesday, March 24. Those impacted have been notified. He has mild symptoms and is recovering at home.
We wish all those suffering from coronavirus a quick and full recovery. These cases are a sharp reminder that the coronavirus is in our communities and we must all do our part to flatten the curve. No individual or age group is immune to the potential of infection.
U of I will not announce each individual case as the number continues to grow but will work with public health officials to notify those possibly exposed. If cases at other university sites are found, those impacted will be contacted directly.
Your health and safety continue to be our focus. I urge you to follow Gov. Brad Little’s stay-at-home order and limit your exposure to others and maintain social distancing practices when you do have to go out. I look forward to the day when we are all back together again, but that just isn’t possible for now. We must ensure social distance and take care of each other.
Keep Calm and Vandal On.
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
