The following message was sent by Bill Lafferty, Assistant VP for College Life and Executive Director of Public Safety, to inform the campus community that a student has tested positive for COVID-19.
Dear Campus Community Member:
We learned today that a student who left campus on March 4th has since tested positive for COVID-19. That individual reportedly showed no symptoms while on campus.
In accordance with guidance from public health officials at the county and state levels, this notice is being sent to inform Gettysburg College faculty, staff and students of this development.
According to CDC Risk Categories, the risk level for those in general contact with this student, as defined by the CDC, is “low.”
The student has notified those with whom they had regular contact; those individuals are taking the precautionary measures of practicing social distancing and self-monitoring.
According to the CDC, persons coming into general contact with a symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 test case does not meet the definition of “close contact” and is considered a low risk level. Close contact would include persons living in the same household, an intimate partner, or caring for a person in a non-healthcare setting to a person with symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Persons who are not symptomatic should self-monitor and contact their healthcare provider if symptoms arise. Persons who are symptomatic should self-isolate and practice social distancing.
We continue to ask that all members of our community take steps to ensure that we all stay as healthy as possible, including:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating or preparing food, after going to the bathroom and after you have been around someone who is sick. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you are unable to wash with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid sharing dishes, glasses and utensils.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it away.
Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 Health and Wellness
Bill Lafferty, P’09, CCCO
Assistant Vice President for College Life and Executive Director of Public Safety