First UC Merced student tested for coronavirus is negative, university says
The first UC Merced student who reportedly showed coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms tested negative for the virus, university officials said in a Monday news release.
A second student showed symptoms days later and is still awaiting results from a private lab. The student is self-quarantined in their home off campus, according to university officials.
UC Merced announced March 16 that the first student, an undergraduate, was being tested through a commercial laboratory. Commercial tests typically take five to seven days to get results.
While waiting, the undergraduate was self-quarantined on campus. University officials said certain campus residential space has been designated for students reporting illnesses.
The student is no longer quarantined but has requested to remain in student housing, UC Merced officials told the Sun-Star.
All UC Merced classes will be held online after spring break and spring commencement is postponed on account of coronavirus concerns.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Merced County was announced Sunday. The individual acquired the virus from traveling outside Merced County, according to a news release.
The Merced County resident is doing well while isolated at home and is recovering, the release said.
A City of Merced public safety officer tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19, the city manager confirmed.
The positive case is not counted in Merced County on account of the officer being a Madera County resident, however. Merced County only counts cases of infected individuals who reside within its county borders.
As of March 22, there is only one confirmed case in Merced County, according to the Department of Public Health.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 2:08 PM.
