Cottey confirms positive COVID-19 test result

Thursday, August 20, 2020

In a statement sent to the Dail Mail Thursday afternoon, Cottey College confirmed a student has tested positive for COVID-19.

"Through the college’s entry testing protocol, we can confirm that one student tested positive for COVID-19 last week," the statement read. "To this point, we have received results back for 35 students, with just one positive case, and we will continue testing students as they arrive on campus this weekend."

The school indicated that the positive test result was not a complete surprise.

"Positive tests were anticipated, and Cottey College has strived for the past five months towards keeping our campus, and local community, as safe as possible in the event that positive tests occur," the announcement said. "Cottey has worked in conjunction with local health officials to follow CDC recommendations in regards to isolation, quarantines, and contact tracing. All of campus was notified when the test result came back — and safety guidelines were followed to assist any students, faculty, or staff who were impacted."

The school confirmed that an unspecified number of students were quarantined due to exposure from the positive case.

"Using these guidelines, the college did quarantine some students who were exposed to the positive individual," the statement noted. "Students who are quarantined on campus are monitored, provided meals, and have contact information for campus members if any needs arise. In order to protect the confidentiality of the students involved, we cannot share any identifying information about them."

Summed up the statement: "Our top priority has been and will continue to be protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the local community — by using the most up-to-date guidance and information provided by health officials."

"We did our investigation, contact-tracing, and were able to identify any close contacts of the positive case," Vernon County Health Department Administrator Steve Durnell told the Daily Mail.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: