Two confirmed COVID-19 cases, campus closures

Today, we report that two individuals within the Rowan University community received confirmed positive tests for COVID-19:  

1. A resident student who lives in Holly Pointe Commons on the Glassboro campus. The student has not been on campus since developing symptoms on March 13.

2. An employee who works on the Stratford campus at our School of Osteopathic Medicine. The faculty member has not been on campus since developing symptoms the week of March 9.

Both are receiving care in isolation and we are relieved to say that both are expected to recover fully. We are working with them to identify those with whom they were most likely in contact. 

Following medical protocols, we will continue to inform the people in the Rowan community who were in close contact with the individuals before and as they started showing symptoms. Although the risk of infection is low for those beyond the individuals’ inner circles, we will continue to inform others (i.e., roommate, classmates, faculty members, co-workers) and ask that they isolate themselves for a 14-day period. 

Due to federal patient- and student-confidentiality regulations, we cannot provide more details about the individuals. 

We understand that these cases may cause great concern given the individuals’ potential contact with others. As community transmission of the COVID-19 virus continues to increase locally and in our region, we must remember that social distancing is vital to slowing this outbreak. Please don’t gather in groups and when you have to be in public, maintain six feet of distance from other people. 

Future Campus Notifications
Given increased testing and interventions, more cases can be expected as spread of COVID-19 continues. We will maintain case counts on the University’s COVID-19 website and only notify people known to be directly affected. 

Stay home
As a reminder, we have begun remote operations on all campuses for all but a limited number of employees. Beginning Monday, March 30, all classes will meet remotely. Only those students and employees who have been approved to be on campus should be on site. Rowan Medicine will continue to provide vital services. 

Also, please be mindful of Gov. Murphy’s March 21 executive order about travel restrictions. Students who live on campus and university-affiliated housing will receive an updated email with new procedures for retrieving personal items from residence halls and apartments. 

All employees must work from home, unless previously approved. Building locks have been changed on all academic and administrative buildings to severely limit who is on our campuses.

Thank you for your continued flexibility during this crisis and your concern for our community.