March 22, 2020
Student notifies Health Center of a confirmed test
Dear Trinity College Community Members,
We have learned that a member of our community who is not currently on campus has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual has been home for a week and became symptomatic after returning home. This is the first confirmed case we know of within the Trinity community.
We are notifying you of this case because the individual was on campus through Saturday, March 14. The person received the diagnosis yesterday afternoon, was contacted by their state public health department, and has since informed us. We also have been in touch with a small number of individuals who were in contact with the person who tested positive during the relevant time period before they left campus, and we have provided them with guidance on self-quarantining and monitoring for symptoms. None of those individuals is currently on campus, and all report feeling well and being asymptomatic.
Consultation with a Hartford Healthcare infectious disease specialist has confirmed that the Trinity community is not at any increased risk because of this case. As a reminder, please be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home if you feel ill. If you develop symptoms, please call your healthcare provider (or the health center if you are a student remaining on campus).
While we work continually to maintain the health and well-being of our community, we also must safeguard the privacy of the individual involved and allow them to focus on their health. Please respect their privacy and avoid speculation and rumors.
This news underscores the need for all of us to be vigilant in practicing social distancing and other measures to reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus:
- Maintain physical distance from others and avoid physical contact (handshakes, hugs, etc.)
- Avoid gatherings
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean hands with a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60 percent
- Cough/sneeze into your elbow, and refrain from touching your face
- If you are sick, especially with a fever and respiratory symptoms, stay home and call the health center (for students who remain on campus) or your healthcare provider
We know this news will be distressing for our community, even if it does not come as a surprise given the rapid spread of this pandemic. Please don’t hesitate to seek the support and resources the college offers, including Campus Safety (24 hours), the Counseling and Wellness Center, Dean of Students Office, Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, and Student Health Services. More information and resources are available on our Trinity College Advisories website. Please continue to take care of yourselves and one another. We will keep you apprised of any further pertinent developments.
Sincerely,
Martha O’Brien, MS, ANP, BC, APRN
Director for Trinity College Health Center
Joe DiChristina
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Campus Life
