The following message was sent to all Mines faculty, students and staff on 3/18/20:
Dear Mines Community:
Today we learned that a member of our campus community has tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The research associate is currently at home in self-isolation following the county’s health care order.
This individual, who works in Berthoud Hall, was last on campus Tuesday, March 17. The laboratory where the research associate works and all common areas of Berthoud are being cleaned and disinfected per public health guidelines. Those on campus whom the researcher had close contact with have been notified and are expected to self-quarantine for 14 days.
While the news of our first confirmed COVID-19 case on campus may be alarming, we want to assure you that Mines has been planning and preparing for this possibility for weeks. We are working closely with local health officials and will continue to take all precautions necessary to keep our community safe.
What to do: There is no need to panic. As we have been advising over the past couple of weeks, monitor your health and if you develop a fever and other COVID-19 symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath:
- Stay home and self-isolate. Manage your symptoms at home the same way you would manage other cold symptoms. We want to reduce the risk of transmission, so to the extent possible, people with flu-like symptoms should remain at home.
- If you need medical care, contact your health care provider or the Student Health Center by phone. Let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
- Only contact 911 for emergencies requiring immediate life-saving care and let them know if you are concerned you might have COVID-19. If you must visit an ER or urgent care facility, call ahead and let them know that you are concerned you might have COVID-19.
If you don’t have symptoms but know you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or has COVID-19 symptoms (fever, coughing, shortness of breath), we expect you to self-quarantine for 14 days. (Information on How to Quarantine from CDPHE: https://covid19.colorado.gov/how-to-quarantine)
As a reminder, to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus:
- Practice social distancing. Skip social gatherings and nonessential trips. Keep at least six feet of distance between you and other people when you are outdoors or in stores.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, throw the tissue away and then wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid anyone with cold- or flu-like symptoms.
- If you’re sick, stay home and away from public places.
- Get a flu shot if you have not had one yet.
Please remember: The entire world is grappling with this outbreak. The members of our community who are ill deserve our sympathy and best wishes, but also our thanks for sharing news of their diagnosis with us.
-This message is being sent on behalf of the Pandemic Response Operations Team at Mines. The latest updates from Mines are available at mines.edu/coronavirus.