SJSU Announces First COVID-19 Case

Sent: March 17, 2020
From: Patrick K. Day, VP for Student Affairs and Barbara Fu, MD, Acting Medical Director, Student Health and Wellness Center

Dear SJSU campus community,

We are writing to inform you that a member of our campus community has been diagnosed with Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  The individual is an off-campus student and is recovering at home. We will remain in touch with this Spartan and support their healthy and safe return to the university.

In moments like these, the university will protect the privacy rights of individual students while also ensuring the health of our broader community.  SJSU will determine whether there are members of the campus community that need to be advised of their contact with this individual. We realize that this kind of news can create concerns and anxiety in a time of ongoing change.  We will continue to communicate when necessary and will be diligent about consulting with the Santa Clara Public Health Department, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and American College Health Association (ACHA) to provide you with the best possible information and resources.  

This is a challenging time for our university and our world.  As a reminder for all of us, please be mindful of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Remain at home if you are sick.
  • Cover your mouth or sneeze with a tissue; immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Practice social distancing and maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  • Refrain from shaking hands at this time.

For additional information, advisories, FAQs, and resources, please visit the SJSU Health Advisories website, the Santa Clara Public Health Department, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We will communicate additional information as our local and global situation continues to evolve.