University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.
At the time of this communication, we can confirm the following:
- No confirmed cases in Clemson.
- Two positive tests in South Carolina, one in Kershaw County and one in Charleston County.
- No modifications to operations at any Clemson campus or location around the state.
- No planned changes to academic calendar, including spring break.
CURRENT STATUS
Persons Being Tested at Clemson University: 0
Confirmed Positives at Clemson University: 0
SATURDAY UPDATE
On Friday, March 6, 2020, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced it is investigating two presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state. Governor Henry McMaster, Rick Toomey Agency Director of DHEC and Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist conducted a press conference on Saturday, and reiterated there is no evidence of ongoing transmission in the community at this time and the risk to the public remains low.
Clemson officials have been engaged with leadership at Charleston-area sites who are actively monitoring and planning with the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff in those areas as their highest priority.
Details of the current situation include:
- One patient is an elderly adult female from Kershaw County who has been hospitalized and is in isolation.
- A second patient is an adult female from Charleston County who recently traveled to France and Italy. The patient did not require hospitalization and is self-isolated at home.
The Medical University of South Carolina issued a statement which included the following:
MUSC received confirmation from DHEC of a presumed positive COVID19 test for one of our team members the evening of March 6.
This individual self-identified to DHEC upon learning that community transmission had occurred in an area recently visited during a trip to Europe; she had not returned to work and still has not at this time.
Our team member practiced excellent public health and social responsibility by pursuing testing, taking appropriate hygienic precautions and self-quarantining at home. The patient had mild illness and has been asymptomatic for the past three days and is committed to remaining in self-quarantine for the remainder of the CDC-recommended 14-day timeframe.
Clemson University continues to monitor and evaluate the situation and encourage students faculty and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals can lower the risk of transmission by consistently practicing simple, everyday non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):
- Staying home when you are sick or avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
- Ensure regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Being prepared and informed
- Familiarize yourself with the list of approved disinfectants for COVID-19.
University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. You can find campus notifications, resources and latest news at Clemson.edu and via the direct link here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
U.S. Department of State
Contact Numbers for Major Airlines
Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information
Issued by University Relations