EAST LANSING, MI — Multiple Michigan State University students living at Holmes Hall have tested positive for COVID-19, a university spokesperson confirmed Wednesday.
According to MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen, an email was sent to students living in Holmes Hall on Monday, July 27. The email says students who tested positive are self-isolating, and the university is working closely with the Ingham County Health Department to reach out to anyone who may have had close contact with those infected.
Holmes Hall has been used as one of the university’s summer housing locations, not specifically for isolation or quarantine, Olsen said.
The university did not disclose how many students tested positive or any information that could potentially identify those who tested positive for COVID-19.
The email to students defines close contact as more than 15 minutes within six feet of a confirmed COVID-19 case. Anyone believed to have had close contact with someone who tested positive is being contacted by the health department as part of its contact tracing protocol.
Incidental passing in a hallway is not considered exposure by local health officials, the email states.
On-campus residents who test positive have the choice of self-isolating either at their off-campus permanent residence or designated university self-isolation space on campus. Isolation areas on campus include spaces in Akers Hall, Spartan Village and the Kellogg Center.
The email to students states that residence and housing services will continue to follow guidance from local, state and federal public health agencies, and people should practice physical distancing and wear a mask both indoors and outdoors.
COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nosewhile in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here.
Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.
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