GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Several dozen Ferris State University faculty and students are being told to self-quarantine after they were possibly exposed to the coronavirus at a conference on infectious diseases earlier this month.

The potential exposure happened March 7 during the Great Lakes Infectious Disease Conference at the university’s College of Pharmacy facility on Medical Mile in Grand Rapids, Ferris State University President David L. Eisler announced Monday, March 16.

One of the attendees, a Kent County resident, began showing coronavirus symptoms “several days” after the conference and ultimately tested positive for it on March 15. Eisler said the university was notified of the positive test by the Kent County Health Department on March 16.

University officials Monday evening notified about 10 faculty members and 30 students who attended the conference of the possible exposure. The email advised the attendees to self-quarantine through March 21, which is 14 days after the possible exposure.

Officials also notified non-university attendees. Eisler did not say how many non-university attendees there were.

“This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on one of our campuses, and I felt it was imperative to inform you of this information,” Eisler said in a statement. “The university is working closely with the Kent County Health Department and following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local health guidance in responding to this information.”

State officials said Monday, March 16, there are 54 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state. Of those, five are residents of Kent County.

The university did not provide further details on the person who attended the conference and later tested positive for coronavirus.

Kent County Health Department officials announced Sunday that a male resident in his 20s with no travel history had tested positive for coronavirus. They later found out that night another male resident, this one in his 40s, also tested positive.

PREVENTION TIPS

Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:

What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:

· Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

· Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

· Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).

· It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.

Read more:

Complete coverage at mlive.com/coronavirus

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