First Bushnell Student Tests Positive for COVID-19

EUGENE, Ore. —- (Oct. 8, 2020)— A Bushnell University student who lives off campus has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been in quarantine since Sept. 29, 2020, after informing University officials that they were exposed to a person who later reported testing positive for the virus.

The student’s positive COVID-19 test was confirmed on Wednesday, Oct. 7. The test results were reported to authorities at the Lane County Department of Health and Human Service. The student is the first from Bushnell to test positive for the virus since students arrived on campus for the fall semester on Aug. 20, 2020.

“Our student reports feeling well so far and is continuing to attend classes online,” said Greg Brock, M.A., Bushnell’s Dean of Students. “As a university community, we are making sure the student has the medical care, food, monitoring, and other resources necessary during quarantine.”

Brock said the campus community is doubling down on its messaging about COVID-19 precautions, including wearing face masks over the nose and mouth, observing social distancing, hand washing, and eliminating social gatherings.

“One person with COVID-19 is one too many, but given we have been on campus for seven weeks and have not reported a case until this week, now is the time to remind each other to do what is necessary to limit exposure to the virus,” Brock said. “Students, faculty, and staff have been informed about our COVID-19 positive community member and have been asked to renew their commitment to follow the safety protocols we all are told to follow as a university, community, and a nation.”

The student will remain in quarantine as directed by health officials and will need to test negative for the virus before resuming regular activities.