Brandeis Community member has tested positive for COVID-19
March 18, 2020
Dear Brandeis Community,
This afternoon we learned from the Waltham and Massachusetts Departments of Health that one of the members of our community has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first time Brandeis has been made aware of a community member who has tested positive. The DPH conducted a review of the individual’s interactions on campus and they have informed us there is no known risk to our campus community from this particular case. The individual is receiving treatment and we are wishing them a fast and full recovery.
This serves to remind us that this virus is spreading, and it speaks to the need for dramatically reducing the number of people on our campus. Additional restrictions on activities and gatherings were communicated earlier this evening; these restrictions were approved before DPH notified the university of the positive test. We want to reiterate that effective immediately, Brandeis is prohibiting any gatherings of greater than 5 people on campus. We continue to urge students to move off campus as soon as they are able, and ask that families do all they can to assist them in that effort. We also remind all members of our community to take the health precautions that are so important to mitigating the spread of COVID-19:
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stay home and away from others if you feel sick
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wash hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds
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practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others when outside your home
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cover coughs and sneezes with elbows or tissues
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clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using household cleaning spray or a wipe
We ask that any community member who tests positive with the virus contact the Health Center at 781-736-3677, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or 781-239-1948 after hours, so that we may track cases.
Sincerely,
Ron Liebowitz, President
Lisa M. Lynch, Provost
Stew Uretsky, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration