UC Merced student shows symptoms ‘consistent with’ coronavirus. Campus awaiting test results
An undergraduate UC Merced student reported symptoms consistent with coronavirus (COVID-19) Monday, according to a message sent to the campus community by the university’s emergency management system.
The student is self-quarantined and awaiting test results, the email says. The test is being done through a private lab, as the student did not meet County Public Health’s testing criteria.
Results should be available by the end of this week, according to UC Merced Senior Public Information Officer Elizabeth Arakelian.
The university is currently mapping individuals the student may have been in contact with.
The student will be in self-quarantine at least until test results become available, which will then determine how much longer the quarantine is in effect.
Students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni were all alerted to the situation Monday night.
University officials did not comment on whether the student specifically is in self-quarantine on or off campus. But the university has designated certain campus residential space for students reporting illnesses, according to Arakelian.
UC Merced is working alongside Merced County Public Health, and will provide updates as they become available, the email says.
University-related coronavirus information and resources is available on UC Merced’s website.
The university announced Monday that all instruction will be delivered remotely after spring break beginning March 30 through the spring semester.
As of Monday, Merced County officials have said there have been no confirmed coronavirus cases locally.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 11:42 AM.
