Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
BY KATIE GOSS ’23
Amherst College has reported its first case of COVID-19 on campus. On April 23, President Biddy Martin sent a message informing students, staff, faculty and others in the area that a custodial staff member had tested positive for the virus. Martin said the last time the staff member was on campus was on April 18, but that they had no contact with students remaining on campus, had worn a face mask and had no symptoms at the time.
The employees who came in contact with the staff member that day have been in quarantine since they were notified the staff member tested positive, and have not shown any symptoms thus far. The staff member is currently isolating at home, and is said to be doing well. They have not been named by the school.
“Out of respect for the staff member’s privacy and in deference to applicable HIPAA privacy laws, we will not release any more information about this employee. I ask that you please refrain from speculation and respect privacy,” Martin said. “We will inform you if there are any further developments in this case that might impact the campus.”
Martin’s announcement also mentioned that students still residing on campus will be receiving additional information regarding changes and expectations on protective measures, including social distancing, from the dean of students.
“Every one of us needs to commit to the procedures and protocols we have established. While the College continues to take extensive precautions regarding cleaning and disinfecting, distancing and wearing protective gear, among other things, this news reinforces the need for all of us to follow CDC directives and observe preventive steps,” said Martin.
With this first reported positive case on Amherst’s campus, all of the colleges within the Five College Consortium now have at least one positive case on campus.