Cottages of Tempe confirms resident positive for new coronavirus

A Tempe apartment complex geared toward Arizona State University students confirmed one of the residents tested positive for the new coronavirus and the person has been quarantined in their apartment.

The Cottages of Tempe informed residents that the person who tested positive for COVID-19 self-quarantined when symptoms first appeared. They noted that the individual had not been in the main office or common areas since about March 17.

The apartment complex, which is located near University and Priest drives, primarily houses ASU students. The website and promotional material is geared toward students, touting its proximity to the university's Tempe campus.

Keith Thompson, a spokesperson for the complex, provided The Arizona Republic a copy of a statement sent to residents Sunday. The statement was not dated; however, the State Press first reported that the statement was sent to residents Saturday afternoon.

"In light of this development, and in accordance with guidance provided by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), we have taken and are taking additional precautions in our efforts to minimize the risk to all residents and management team members in the community," the statement said.

"Residents who live near the affected resident have already been notified separately. We encourage any resident with the following symptoms identified by the CDC — fever, cough, shortness of breath — to contact your medical provider immediately by phone, and consider visiting a local medical facility to be tested," it continued.

On Saturday, the number of identified COVID-19 cases in Arizona increased by more than 30% over the course of one day. An additional 48 cases were identified by Sunday morning, including the state's second new coronavirus-related death.

The state had a total of 152 identified COVID-19 cases by Sunday, with Maricopa County having the largest number of cases at 81, according to data on the Arizona Department of Health Services website.

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels.

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