Jacobs School reports case of COVID-19

A student from the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences has tested positive for COVID-19 and is self-isolating at their off-campus residence, Michael E. Cain, vice president for health sciences and dean of the Jacobs School, reported in a memo to students Wednesday night.

A close family member of this individual, who is also a Jacobs School student, is also under quarantine at their off-campus residence, awaiting testing, Cain said.

He stressed that the Jacobs School and the Erie County Department of Health are following existing protocols to reduce the risk to others within the school, including contacting anyone identified as having had close contact with the infected individual to determine if other precautions are needed, and cleaning impacted areas within the school.

“In light of this news, all of us should be mindful of the need to self-monitor our health closely for the next 14 days by checking our temperature twice daily and monitoring for cough and/or shortness of breath,” Cain said.

Testing is not necessary for those who do not develop symptoms of COVID-19, he said. Those who develop a temperature of 100.4 F or above and a cough or shortness of breath should self-isolate and immediately notify their health care provider; students should contact UB Health Services at 716-829-3316. 

To help limit the spread of the virus, Cain urged members of the Jacobs School community to practice social distancing; avoid close contact with sick individuals; wash their hands frequently; cover their cough or sneeze into a tissue; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and stay home when they are sick.

“The safety and well-being of the Jacobs School community is our utmost priority,” Cain said. “We will continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and take all appropriate precautions to safeguard the well-being of our students, faculty and staff.”

Whenever there is a confirmed case that poses a risk of exposure to members of the university community, UB’s academic or administrative units will notify members of the university community who may be at risk. Individuals who are deemed to be close contacts of those who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be contacted directly by the Erie County Department of Health.