The construction site of the new WCU Tom Apodaca Science building. Photo by Bill Studenc.
Four Western Carolina University subcontractors working on the new Tom Apodaca Science Building have tested positive for COVID-19.
WCU officials received the notice of the first positive test for COVID-19 on April 22.
That individual had been tested by a private healthcare provider and was ordered to comply with the appropriate isolation measures. The individual was last on the WCU campus on April 16.
On April 23, Western Carolina University officials received a notice from Jackson County Public Health Department of three additional workers testing positive for COVID-19.
Harris Regional Hospital has coordinated targeted testing efforts to construction workers affiliated with this construction site. All positive tested cases are following isolation orders.
On April 24, WCU Health Services received a notice from Skanska USA, the construction company hired to build the new science building, that construction will be suspended on the site until May 4.
“We are taking all reasonable precautions on our campus and in our community to best promote the health and safety of our campus community. We are working closely with Jackson County Public Health officials to ensure that proper notifications are taking place,” said the email message from WCU Public Safety to the students.
Students of WCU were instructed to stay home due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 on March 17. Only students who had special circumstances and were approved to stay by the universities residential living officials were allowed to stay on campus.
”It is important that students, faculty, and staff, whether on campus or off, continue to monitor their own health and take appropriate social distancing measures. This is vital to slowing the spread of the virus and protecting the most vulnerable in our community,” said WCU Public Safety.
In the email to WCU students, the WCU Public Safety officials included additional safety recommendations to students and faculty that are consistent with CDC guidelines.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Practice social distancing and stay six feet apart from others.
“There is community spread of COVID-19 and the numbers of individuals affected by the virus will continue to grow. Please monitor the NC Department of Health and Human Services and the Jackson County Department of Public Health for regular updates. Also please frequently check WCU’s dedicated coronavirus webpage,” said WCU Public Safety officials.
