March 23, 2020
Dear Members of the BC Community:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed us last night that a BC student living on campus has tested positive for COVID-19. It is the only confirmed case involving students, faculty, or staff on the BC campus, though the University has received 19 self-reported cases from undergraduate and graduate students who returned home.
The student, who was placed in quarantine prior to the move-in to Upper Campus housing, is in isolation and receiving care.
In accordance with established public health procedures, the local department of public health will engage in contact tracing to identify individuals who were in close contact with the student. University Health Services will assist in this effort.
Individuals who are deemed to have been in close contact with the student (in a closed room for more than 15 minutes while the student was symptomatic) are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. If symptoms emerge, (fever, cough, and shortness of breath), they should contact their health care provider for guidance.
Given that the student is in isolation, there is no risk of contracting the virus from the individual at this time. However, all community members are encouraged to monitor their health, and contact University Health Services or their primary care provider if symptoms emerge.
BC Facilities staff continue to work diligently to clean and sanitize common areas throughout the BC campus, and we encourage the campus community to follow established social distancing guidelines. If other cases emerge on campus, we will inform the community via the coronavirus website at www.bc.edu/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Michael Lochhead
Executive Vice President
Boston College