New COVID Cluster Found in Hackley Honors Hall
posted by Law | September 11, 2020 | In NewsOn September 8, Fayetteville State University issued a warning notification addressing the COVID-19 cluster found in Hackley Honor’s Hall, with 11 cases confirmed.
According to the North Carolina Health and Human Services, a “cluster” is 5 or more cases in one location, and, in this case, a location is deemed as a residence hall or dwelling for students to reside. Clusters do presume a link between the cases, meaning that community spread happened within that location.
“The individuals in this cluster have been identified and are isolated and are receiving medical monitoring. We have also notified and are receiving guidance from the Cumberland County Health Department. Contact tracing has been initiated with direct communication to anyone known to have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19,” the university stated in a statement.
A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of someone with the virus for more than 15 minutes when either person has been wearing face-masks. Those identified as a close contact will be notified directly and provided with further guidance.
Due to the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations, further details regarding the cases and the student’s information will not be released at the time.
FSU representatives wished to assure students that the university has worked to mitigate community spread: “The university has implemented numerous environmental and other control measures in partnership with the campus community to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Safety is our first priority,” Mr. Jeffery Womble, Associate Vice Chancellor for Communications, said in a statement released to The Voice.
University officials continue to monitor the situation, and COVID-19 cases on campus, in case it is necessary to change policies on how instruction is delivered (virtual or face-to-face), and whether on-campus activities and living can continue.
“The number of COVID-19 cases on campus are being carefully monitored by the local health department. Based on the case investigations, the public health director may recommend that residence halls should be closed or operate at a reduced capacity, that message will be communicated to the Chancellor. In collaboration with the UNC President Peter Hans, a decision will be made in the best interest of the health and safety of students, faculty and staff,“ Mr. Womble stated.
As of September 4, 30 new cases: 29 being students and 1 being an employee. Though the number of cases seem to be lower than before, the university is still pushing to maintain the well-being of their student’s health and keep the cases from rising.
Students and faculty are encouraged and expected to follow the three Ws: wear, wait and wash. University representatives recommend continuing to follow the three Ws, even when inside the dorm. Additionally, should stay at home if you are experiencing any symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 is fever, cough, muscle aches, or shortness of breath. If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, they should call their medical provider or Student Health Services at (910) 672-1259.
More information can be found on the University’sCOVID-19 website: uncfsu.com/coronavirus.
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