Potsdam Campus Community,
Per our protocols and as follow up to our earlier information on wastewater surveillance showing potential markers of SARS-CoV-2 , we are notifying you that one member of our campus community has tested positive for COVID-19 based on comprehensive testing done on Tuesday, November 10. This individual has been in quarantine for over a week based on an earlier close contact exposure within “a family unit” and has not been interacting in person with the campus community.
Based on the wastewater surveillance, we had imposed a campus-initiated shelter in place order for student residents of the Quad Houses (Cubley-Reynolds-Ross-Brooks) and Riverside Apartments. This shelter in place order is now lifted and students can return to class and regular campus activities.
It is important to recognize that detection of positive traces in wastewater testing does not necessarily mean that we have active positive cases as past positive cases can still shed positive results. With the rise in cases in the County, we are taking extra precautions to keep everyone healthy in the final weeks of class and to send everyone home healthy and safe at the end of the semester. YOUR PERSONAL DILIGENCE AND COMMITMENT TO THE GREATER UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY ARE APPRECIATED.
Students can still request a COVID-19 test before they depart campus. To request a test, please click here to fill out the testing request form by Friday, 11/13 at 4:30 PM. Testing will be offered on 11/17 and 11/23.
In the interim, please keep up the safety protocols:
- Do the daily screening tool and seek medical advice and testing if you answer yes to any of the questions. Employee Screening Tools | Student Screening Tools
- Stay home if sick (Students, contact Student Health & Counseling Center SHAC@clarkson.edu | 315-268-6333).
- Stay local and limit travel to going to class, groceries, medical appointments and medication.
- Wear a mask.
- Social distance.
- Wash your hands.
For the positive test result that came back today, our Health Center and other administrators will still be actively working with St. Lawrence County Public Health representatives.
- To respect the privacy of the individual, they will remain anonymous. We send them our well wishes.
- They will remain quarantined by the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department until officials have cleared them.
- As part of the NYS protocols in any positive test case, a representative of the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department will notify directly any community members, students, faculty, and staff who may have been exposed and will give further guidance. These contacts will remain confidential.
- Public Health may ask the University for information to support their review and your assistance, if asked to help, is appreciated.
We understand that COVID-19 and the related announcements like this may cause concern in our immediate community. If you have any questions about this communication, please contact clarksonhr@clarkson.edu and/or me. We care about all of you and complete transparency in our communications. Please stick to the game plan. YOU ARE ALL DOING A GREAT JOB UNDER UNPRECEDENTED TIMES! THANK YOU!!!
Kelly Chezum, VP for External Relations
Restart Communications Lead
kchezum@clarkson.edu