September 25, 2020
One Wheeling University Student-Athlete Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Mitigation Underway
WHEELING, WV. Sept. 25, 2020 — Wheeling University has implemented the necessary protocols to ensure the safety and health of the entire campus after learning one student-athlete tested positive for COVID-19 this week.
According to President Ginny R. Favede, the student-athlete is asymptomatic and has returned home to quarantine. All members of the athletic team, the coaches and the athletic trainer for the team have been placed in quarantine as a precaution.
“Once we were notified we had a positive case, we acting swiftly to take all appropriate actions that our Return to Campus Plan includes. First we notified Howard Gamble with the Ohio County Health Department, who supported our decision to quarantine the team, coaches and trainer,” President Favede said.
She added that the McDonough Center athletic facility was closed immediately, and the University’s Environmental Services team completed a deep clean and disinfecting of the entire facility.
“Our employees washed and wiped down all surfaces inside the facility, including locker rooms, weight rooms, the athletic training room, both gymnasiums, bathrooms and offices. Additionally, the team sprayed the entire facility with an environmentally safe sanitizing solutions with use of the Steramist machines we recently purchased,” President Favede explained.
“The Steramist hydrogen peroxide concentration produces a highly effective, germ killing aerosol,” according to the manufacturer.
The president added, that the number one priority is to care for and keep the students, faculty and staff safe.
“Those team members who are in quarantine are having their meals delivered to their room, and are checked on daily to make sure they are not experiencing any symptoms. In addition, they are completing any coursework online. Over the summer, we invested in additional training for our faculty to be proficient in online course delivery – this ensures that the students continue to receive a quality education,” President Favede said. “It’s important that the students know they have our support and know we care about them.”
Additionally, all students have their temperatures checked daily before leaving the residence halls, while commuter students’, employees’ and visitors’ temperatures are taken as they come onto campus each day. Masks are required to be worn by all students and employees when in classrooms, offices, and any common areas inside University buildings. Social distancing is encouraged, and sanitizing stations have been placed strategically throughout campus.
Additionally, President Favede said, Wheeling University continues to monitor the health, well-being and concern of students, staff and faculty through the LiveSafe app.
“Wheeling University will continue to monitor the current situation and take any additional steps necessary to ensure our students, faculty and staff remain safe and healthy,” President Favede added.