Santa Catalina Dormitory at UC Santa Barbara (Photo: UCSB)
By edhat staff
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) confirmed there are no cases of the coronavirus on campus or in student housing amid growing concerns.
Rumors began spreading throughout the campus and online message boards about an ill student in the Santa Catalina dormitory, formerly known as Francisco Torres. Online posts stated the student was visiting family in Wuhan, China during winter break and returned ill. Wuhan is the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak where 106 people have died.
UCSB students were in a panic over possibly being in contact with someone who had the illness as symptoms take a while to appear.
The Student Health Department of UCSB released a statement on Monday addressing these concerns stating any suspected cases have undergone screening as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
“There has been much concern about potential cases on campus. These inquiries have been thoroughly assessed and no cases have been identified on our campus or Santa Barbara County at this time; however we will continue to actively monitor the situation,” the statement read.
Five people have tested positively for the coronavirus in the United States, with one in Los Angeles County and another in Orange County.
No cases have been reported in Santa Barbara County.
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Perhaps these students should focus on real health concerns like STDs, Alcohol and Drug overdoses, and mental health issues. These pose a serious risk to their heath and well being. Corona Virus does not.
Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay home if you’re sick. There, solved the problem for you.
I guess the dorm room mask sales might take a hit now.