March 30, 2020

First confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus

Dear Trinity College Community Members,

As promised, we are writing to inform the college community that we have received word of a first confirmed COVID-19 case on our campus. A student was tested several days ago and received the results this morning. The student is feeling well, is nearly symptom-free, and has been in self-isolation since symptoms began eight days ago.

The student, abiding by the guidelines sent by the Health Center in recent weeks, contacted us as soon as symptoms consistent with COVID-19 appeared, and, following Trinity’s established action plan for such a presentation, the student was placed in isolation and worked with Health Center staff to identify those with whom they had close contact in recent days. Three contacts were notified and have been in self-quarantine ever since, monitoring themselves for symptoms. All of them have been monitored closely, and all report being in good health and symptom-free. If you have not been contacted, you are not at any increased risk for contracting the virus as a result of this case.

Trinity’s action plan follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The self-quarantine for all parties involved will end 14 days after exposure if no symptoms began or seven days after all symptoms resolve if any were present.

We have reported the positive test result to both the state and local health departments. Both confirm that we have taken all necessary and appropriate steps, and they recommended no additional action.

As a reminder to students, please call the Health Center 860-297-2018 if you have any questions about symptoms. We are available on the phone line from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. After hours, you can contact Campus Safety 860-297- 2222, who will connect you with a member of the Health Center staff.

Sincerely,

Martha O’Brien, APRN Director of Health Center and

Joseph DiChristina, VP of Student Life and Dean of Students