LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Two UNLV employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and are self-isolating, according to the university.
UNLV President Marta Meana shared a statement confirming the cases, saying they are the first two cases of COVID-19 at the school.
She urged the UNLV community to "continue to follow protocols for prevention, maintain social distancing, seek medical care when it is needed, and care for ourselves and care for each other."
Read the full statement below:
MAR. 25, 2020
Dear University Community,
We have learned within the last 24 hours that two members of our UNLV family have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). These are the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UNLV. We knew this day would come as the number of cases continues to grow in Nevada and across the nation.
- The first employee notified us they have tested positive in another state. The employee is currently receiving care, is self-isolated and is following protocols set by state health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The individual has been primarily working remotely for an extended period of time. They were last on campus on March 10. Based on the information provided by the employee, they did not have contact with anyone on campus at that time. We are coordinating closely with the Southern Nevada Health District to ensure we are taking the proper measures.
We understand this may increase concern and anxiety for the members of our university community. The best thing we can do right now is to continue to follow protocols for prevention, maintain social distancing, seek medical care when it is needed, and care for ourselves and care for each other.
- The second employee who has tested positive traveled out of state for university business early this month and was last on campus March 11. The individual has reached out to everyone they came into contact with and the Southern Nevada Health District is aware of the case. The individual has been self-isolating at home since March 11 and is following protocols set by state health officials and the CDC. Again, individuals who have come into contact with this employee have been notified.
We remain committed to taking necessary actions in the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff – which has included remote/virtual instruction, reducing population density to achieve social distancing in our residence halls, moving to takeout-only service in our dining facilities, and working remotely, among other changes.
This COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation in Nevada and throughout the country, and we will continue to share information specific to UNLV through official channels, including unlv.edu/coronavirus. The site includes links to health resources, university operations, current announcements, and other important information.
We will share additional confirmed cases involving members of the UNLV community at unlv.edu/coronavirus/confirmed-cases. This notification complies with requirements under the Clery Act.
Your health and wellbeing remain our top priority, and I take comfort in knowing we are supporting each other. Thank you for being part of our UNLV family.
Warm regards,
Marta Meana, Ph.D.
UNLV President
