Possible Case of COVID-19

March 16, 2020

Dear Carnegie Mellon University Faculty, Staff and Students:

Yesterday, the university was contacted proactively by a member of our community who has been having flu-like symptoms. Our priority is to provide care and support for this individual and the safety and health of our community. The individual has not been on campus since March 11 and has begun self-isolation. The university has been in contact with the Allegheny County Health Department, but the individual has not yet been tested for COVID-19.

Out of an abundance of caution, those identified by this individual who may have had close contact have been notified and asked to self-isolate. They will return to campus after their self-isolation is complete and only if they are symptom-free. For reasons of health privacy, the university is not able to share additional details.

In addition, the university has cleaned and disinfected the areas where this individual worked. Across campus, the university has enhanced its cleaning of high-traffic public areas and commonly touched surfaces to reduce the risk of transmission. Portable hand sanitizing stations have also been mounted at building exits and in other high-traffic areas.

We encourage everyone to practice good health hygiene, social distancing practices, and please remember to wash your hands, cover your cough/sneeze and stay at home if you are feeling ill.

If this becomes a confirmed case of COVID-19, the campus community will be immediately notified.

Sincerely,

Jim Garrett, Provost

Gina Casalegno, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students