SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Some Point Loma Nazarene University students have been told to shelter in place after a cluster of students tested positive for coronavirus.
The university says it’s seen an increase of 12 cases. According to the school, 50 students were identified as close contacts.
“A cluster of cases and potential exposures have been identified in the following dorm floors:Klassen Hall - 3rd North: three positive cases in isolation Hendricks Hall - 1st South: four positive cases in isolation Young Hall - 4th Floor: three positive cases in isolation Per university protocol, these positive cases are already in isolation in specific university housing outside of the potentially impacted floors,” the school said.
The university says it is also monitoring two unrelated cases in Nease Hall.
Read the full letter from the school below:
Dear PLNU Undergraduate Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We wanted to inform the campus community that we have identified an increase in positive COVID-19 cases among residents on the Point Loma campus this week through our ongoing surveillance testing.
At this time we have seen an increase of 12 cases on the Point Loma campus. In addition to those positive cases, there are currently 50 students across campus identified as “close contacts” and the Wellness Center is continuing to identify other potential contacts.
A reminder that a “close contact” for COVID-19 is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes, either with or without a face covering.
A cluster of cases and potential exposures have been identified in the following dorm floors:
Klassen Hall - 3rd North: three positive cases in isolation Hendricks Hall - 1st South: four positive cases in isolation Young Hall - 4th Floor: three positive cases in isolation Per university protocol, these positive cases are already in isolation in specific university housing outside of the potentially impacted floors.
In addition to these identified clusters, we are closely monitoring two unrelated cases in Nease Hall.
The university has notified all Klassen, Hendricks, and Young Hall residents about next steps, which include requiring residents on the identified floors to Shelter-in-Place and not leave their respective floors until they are notified of their release by the PLNU Wellness Center.
This “Shelter-in-Place” will do two things:
Allow the university, in coordination with the County of San Diego, to complete contact tracing and institute appropriate COVID-19 testing and rigorous assessment of any virus symptoms, and Enable PLNU to tailor its response to the specific situation in the identified halls. We will evaluate the need for stricter quarantine if evidence suggests that such action is necessary.
Residents on the non-impacted floors have been instructed to stay only on their floors and not visit the other floors for any reason. In addition to the immediate targeted testing of specific floors, PLNU will be partnering with the County of San Diego on Thursday to test all residents in impacted halls.
In addition to these Shelter-in-Place requirements for specific residents, the following changes will immediately take place on the Point Loma campus:
The PLNU COVID-19 Face Covering Policy has been amended to require the use of face coverings at all times unless actively eating or drinking, exercising, or alone in your dorm room or office.
Nicholson Commons is closed for indoor dining. Outdoor dining options remain available, hours will remain the same, and carry out services are available.
If you are a student and feel ill, especially if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the Wellness Center’s COVID-19 Hotline at (619) 849-2280 for testing. Please remember that even mild symptoms matter.
Questions or concerns regarding the Shelter-in-Place and COVID-19 testing can also be directed to the COVID-19 wellness email at covid19wellness@pointloma.edu.
Please keep the residents of these halls in your prayers while we ensure they are cared for and supported during this time.
The recent developments do not impact our current plans for continued residential living this fall. However, this should be a reminder to us all to continue to practice the three W’s: wear face coverings, wash your hands, and watch your distance. We've included clarification about COVID-19 terms in the attached word document.
We must each continue to do our part to keep our community safe and healthy this fall semester.
Jake Gilbertson, Ed.D.
Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Office of Student Development
