Loyola University confirmed that one of its students has been diagnosed with COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
An an email to students and staff, Joan Holden, director of the university’s wellness center, and Senior Vice President of Administrative Services Thomas M. Kelly said the student has not been on the campus in the last 14 days, and remains in self-isolation at home. The university learned of the case when the student informed a professor via email.
“On behalf of our community, please join us in wishing our student a full recovery,” the letter states.
Here is the full text of the rest of the letter:
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) website offers practical information on identifying symptoms and what to do if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
The health authorities like CDPH suggest that students who don’t have symptoms do not need to be tested for COVID-19. Students may call Dial-a-Nurse at 773-508-8883 with questions.
How do I know if I was exposed?
You generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected. Close contact includes:
- Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19
- Caring for a sick person with COVID-19
- Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes, OR
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.)
What should I do if I am a close contact to someone with COVID-19 but am not sick?
- You should monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with COVID-19. You should not go to work or school, and should avoid public places for 14 days.
Mild Symptoms:
- If you’re at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider early, even if your illness is mild. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your health and decide whether you need to be tested.
- If you’re NOT at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, you do NOTneed to be evaluated in person and do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19. Keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and if you’re mildly ill, there is no need to call your healthcare provider. You should stay home away from others.
Severe Symptoms:
- If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or difficulty waking up
- Bluish lips or face
We also understand that these are uncertain and stressful times in our world. As a reminder, the LUC.edu/coronavirus site and the Wellness Center site have a number of resources available for students, including CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and a list of tips for managing anxiety caused by the spread of COVID-19. Faculty and staff resources are also available through Perspectives, our Employee Assistance Program.
Please continue to visit our LUC.edu/coronavirus site for updates and monitor all University communication channels. In addition, to inquire about general Loyola information related to COVID-19 please email COVID-19support@LUC.edu. You can expect a response to your general questions about COVID-19, within 2 business days. Also, for those in our community living in the State of Illinois, a reminder that the “Stay at Home” order begins today at 5 p.m. Chicago time.
Our thoughts, well-wishes and prayers go out to the student, along with their family & friends, and entire Loyola community, and all those managing with COVID-19. Please join us in doing the same as one community.
Stay at Home. Stay Healthy and Safe.
