An employee with Berry College has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a memo that was sent out to other Berry employees on Friday afternoon.  According to the memo, campus officials say that the employee was alerted to symptoms while undergoing screening at the college’s front gate.  The college says that they are following all CDC recommendations at this time.  You can see a copy of the memo obtained by WZQZ News below:

We are committed to sharing timely information about any COVID-19 cases that may impact our campus community. A short while ago, I received information that a Berry College employee has received a positive test for the coronavirus.

The employee was first alerted to symptoms through the screening process at the front gate. The employee then alerted Human Resources, was tested, is following local health department protocols and is in self-isolation at home. The director of human resources, is in regular contact and the employee is doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are for a quick and routine recovery.

Acting with an abundance of caution, and while awaiting the test results, we immediately implemented special cleaning procedures in the employee’s work space and other places as indicated. Given the circumstances, the risk to the broader campus community is believed to be low. L

HR, using local public health guidelines, has been in touch with anyone who has been in close, sustained contact with this individual. As a result, one other employee will quarantine for 14 days.

We continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep our community healthy. The rate of confirmed COVID-19 infection remains low in Floyd County, but even so we all recognize that there will be occasional or sporadic cases in our area. It is important that all of us take to heart the precautions presented on Berry’s COVID-19 webpage and the links provided by the CDC. It is within our capacity to impede the spread of the coronavirus with simple and caring actions.

https://www.berry.edu/healthupdates

IMPORTANT – If you develop a fever or symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 please contact your health care provider immediately. During this period, it is also critical that you avoid contact with other people until advised otherwise by your health care provider. Do not come to work. We request that you self-isolate pending further instructions from medical professionals.

Your attention to the CDC guidelines is crucial. Please be careful and protect your health and those around you. I appreciate the goodwill of the Berry Community as we work together during this unprecedented time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as warranted.