UA student tests positive for covid-19

Student at Pine Bluff campus, employee at UCA contracted virus as well

FAYETTEVILLE — An off-campus student at the University of Arkansas, a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and an employee at the University of Central Arkansas have tested positive for the coronavirus, officials at the schools said.

UA Chancellor Joe Steinmetz on Monday said the university learned “this weekend” of the student’s positive test, the first within the UA community.

“The student, who had recently been in contact with someone who had visited from out-of-state, is symptomatic and is in self-isolation off campus,” according to a message to the campus from Steinmetz.

Like many other schools, the university began its spring break this week. Most students aren’t on campus, said Steinmetz, who last Wednesday announced the “vast majority” of employees would work remotely to protect the campus community from the virus.

Covid-19, the illness caused by the virus, is thought to spread from person to person during close contact — within about 6 feet — through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A UA spokesman, Mark Rushing, said the student hasn’t been living on campus this spring.

The student received the covid-19 test at the UA Pat Walker Health Center, Rushing said, adding he was uncertain about the date of the test.

Rushing didn’t provide a number when asked how many others in the UA community of students, faculty and staff have pending covid-19 tests or are in self-quarantine.

“Tests are now available in many places and are being conducted statewide, so there are likely many Arkansans awaiting results, possibly including members of the university community. Anyone tested is asked to self-quarantine while awaiting the results of their test,” Rushing said, adding there’s no requirement for UA students, faculty or staff to inform the university of a pending covid-19 test.

The state Department of Health notified UA about the student’s positive test result, Rushing said.

Cleaning of the campus continues, as are other preventive measures, Rushing said.