1/25/21 - Confirmed COVID-19 Case

Dear Members of the Southwestern Community,

Today we learned that a Southwestern student in the Residences tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with county guidelines, Southwestern directed the student to self-isolate in their unit, avoid accessing any common areas, and follow their medical providers' advice. Due to privacy concerns, Southwestern will not be releasing the name of this individual or the location of where the student resides.

Under the guidance of public health protocols, Southwestern conducted a review to identify any individuals on campus who may have been in close contact with this person. After that review, Southwestern determined that the infected individual did not come into close contact with anyone on campus.

Our maintenance staff conducted extra cleaning and disinfecting of the high touch areas in the Residences (e.g., elevators, stairwells, restrooms, common areas, etc.) in addition to the ongoing increased cleaning and disinfecting of these areas.

It is imperative that we all remain vigilant in our collective efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy. All of us should follow our public health officials' guidance by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, conducting good hygiene practices such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing our hands, and avoiding touching our faces.

Additionally, the L.A. County Department of Health urges everyone over the age of six months to get a flu shot. This immunization helps decrease the stress on our health care system as it assists patients in fighting COVID-19.

The LA County Department of Public Health has provided the following helpful information on COVID-19:

How to Stay Healthy and Reduce Your Risk:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/protection/ReduceRiskInfographic.pdf

What to Do if You are Sick
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidcare/

Home Isolation Instructions for People with COVID-19:
http://ph.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidisolation/

Home Quarantine Instructions for Close Contacts to COVID-19
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidquarantine/

COVID-19 Vaccine Information: 
http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm

Let's continue working together to keep our community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Michael Carter, Ed.D.
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer