BREAKING NEWS: President Parham announces first employee tests positive for coronavirus; Cal State Fullerton Provost says no decision made on online fall instruction

The first employee to test positive for the coronavirus is currently self-quarantining at home and is apparently one of the “lucky ones,”‘ CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham announced in an email memo today.

The full text of the memo is at the bottom of this post.

Meanwhile, two days after the OC Register reported that California State University Fullerton announced that it will be the first CSU to hold fall classes online, and which other media outlets followed up on, the CSUF provost attempted to clarify what she meant today. Long story short:: the campus is preparing to start online in the fall, but no decision has been made.

Memo from President Parham:

Dear campus community,

I want to share with the university that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is self-quarantining at home and doing much better. I ask that you join me in wishing this member of our campus community a speedy and full recovery.

The individual began experiencing symptoms last week and was diagnosed over the weekend. They last visited campus at the end of March, and according to their doctor, they likely became infected after that time. However, as an extra precaution, we have notified any employees who may have been in the same workspace after the individual’s last visit to campus, and our custodial staff have thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the space. Public health officials are aware of this case, and no further actions are needed.

News that one of our own has tested positive for COVID-19 is understandably concerning. However, we should take heart in the fact that they appear to be among the lucky ones. As a reminder, anyone who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19—fever, coughing, difficulty breathing—is encouraged to seek medical advice.

Be safe and healthy.