COVID Update: First Confirmed Case

AUSTIN, Texas— IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Dear Campus Community –

We have confirmed that a member of our Hilltopper community tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This is the first known presumptive case of the virus associated with our campus.



The student who disclosed this health information to us is a commuter student who lives off campus and is self-isolating at home. The student’s last interactions on campus were on March 12, and contact with other members of our campus community have been limited. As a reminder, on-campus classes were suspended beginning March 13, making this case very low risk for our campus community.



The unfortunate likelihood is that additional positive coronavirus cases associated with our campus may be discovered and confirmed in the days ahead. This developing situation underscores the importance of our Remote Operations Initiative which began on March 13 and includes the following measures: closing of residence halls, online instruction for the remainder of the Spring semester, remote employee operations and everyone’s cooperation in remaining off campus.



If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus, you should call your health provider. If you are concerned about your well-being or that of another student, please complete the Student Concern Reporting Form.



We are taking every precautionary measure to limit the spread of COVID-19, and I greatly appreciate your cooperation during this challenging time.  This message is part of the university's commitment to provide information in compliance with the notification requirement within the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act or, Clery Act, as it is commonly known.

 Sincerely,



Lisa Kirkpatrick

Vice President, Student Affairs