Roane State reports first confirmed case of COVID-19

On Thursday, June 18, a Roane State Community College student reported a positive COVID-19 test result to the college. The student has not shown any symptoms and is now quarantining at home, a press release said.

This is the first confirmed case of the virus on any of Roane State’s campuses, the press release said.

The positive case was found during a precautionary health screening required by a state licensing board and was conducted at a local health department, the press release said.

The student was reported to have been inside the Coffey-McNally Building of the Oak Ridge Branch Campus (ORBC) on Tuesday, June 16. Upon learning of the positive test result, the college began the process of closing the building and notifying each person who had been in direct contact with the student.

Cleaning of the affected building was to follow CDC guidelines before an expected re-opening, which was scheduled for Monday, June 22. Students, staff, and faculty members affected by the building closure were to be advised of alternate arrangements as needed.

Roane State notified the Anderson County Health Department of the positive test and will take any additional steps needed to protect the health and safety of the campus community, the press release said.

“As a reminder, the majority of summer courses at Roane State are being delivered online with most faculty and staff continuing to work remotely,” the press release said. “Campuses currently have very limited access for in-person instruction and other essential tasks. Anyone approved to come to campus must wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, and complete a daily wellness screening.”

The college advised students, faculty, and staff to continue to wash their hands frequently, wear face coverings in public, and stay home if sick to help protect themselves and others during the pandemic.

For more information on Roane State’s continued response to COVID-19, you can visit their online resource page at roanestate.edu/coronavirus or email questions@roanestate.edu.