HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Hope College officials are reporting that a student “minimal flu-like symptoms and a possible off-campus exposure to COVID-19” is being tested by the Ottawa County Department of Public Health and will be quarantined.
“We want to emphasize that the individual has not been diagnosed with the virus at this point. This action was taken out of an abundance of caution,” officials said via a statement posted on the school’s website Monday afternoon, March 9, 2020.
The statement indicated school officials are working with the student’s roommate “to take all recommended precautions and proactively monitor their health.”
School officials are also working “in very close consultation with Dr. Paul Heidel, medical director of the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.”
For now: “Business will continue as normal; classes will proceed and offices will remain open. Any subsequent decision regarding college operations would be made in coordination with Dr. Heidel,” the statement indicated.
The statement encouraged students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, to contact the Hope College Health Center (616) 395-7585. School employees who feel they may have COVID-19 symptoms are encouraged to contact their family physicians.
Michigan’s state public health COVID-19 testing information is online at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Public-health precautions to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses include:
- 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 that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw out the tissue.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
