Rowan has first case of coronavirus

Published 12:11 pm Thursday, March 19, 2020

UPDATED 3:44 p.m.: A Livingstone College student has been identified by college officials as having tested positive for the coronavirus, COVID-19.

A letter from Livingstone College President Dr. Jimmy R. Jenkins said the student is doing well and self-isolating at home in accordance with guidelines set by the state health department and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Jenkins said the college will completely shut down the campus on Monday. It had previously shifted classes online.

Jenkins said the college is working with the Rowan County Health Department to determine others who may have been exposed to the student who tested positive.

“As we seek to maintain a healthy living-learning environment, I am prepared to shut down the campus beginning Monday, March 23, through Tuesday, April 14, 2020, thus enabling the campus community to self-quarantine at home,” Jenkins said in the letter. “Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate these very turbulent waters.”

The student is the same case that the Rowan County Health Department released details about earlier today, said Rowan County Emergency Services Battalion Chief Chris Richardson.

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SALISBURY — The Rowan County Health Department says it was notified late Wednesday evening of the county’s first confirmed coronavirus case.

Initial details are limited about the case, but county officials say the person followed instructions, self-isolated, is no longer ill and no longer in the area.

The county’s Public Health Command Center is working closely with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and CDC to ensure appropriate measures are taken, a news release said.

Rowan County Health Department Director Nina Oliver in a video statement encouraged individuals who may have COVID-19 symptoms — fever, cough and shortness of breath — to call their personal physician prior to seeking treatment.

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As of Thursday morning, there were 97 cases of coronavirus in North Carolina. Rowan County’s case makes at least 98. There are more than 7,000 cases in the U.S, with 97 deaths across the country and no deaths from the virus or its associated disease, COVID-19, in North Carolina.

Additional information or guidance will be provided as more details become available. The Post is working to obtain more details.

Rowan County health care professionals are advising people to contact their primary care practitioner or personal doctor to seek guidance for any symptoms. Those without doctors or with questions should call the Rowan County coronavirus information line, which is staffed by health department workers, at 980-432-1800.