Doane Community,
The welfare and safety of our community during this time is our primary concern. We are writing to inform you of a recent development relating to COVID-19.
Today we learned that a Doane student on the Crete campus has experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at their home.
On March 13, after returning from spring break, the student went into Smith Hall to retrieve their belongings and move out for the remainder of the semester. The student had limited interaction with other people during this time.
On March 15, the student began to display symptoms of COVID-19. On March 16, the student visited a healthcare provider who diagnosed the student as “presumed positive” for COVID-19, based on the student's symptoms. This was not a laboratory-confirmed case.
It’s our understanding the student is following the appropriate protocols. We understand that this is a challenging situation at several levels and we ask that you respect the privacy of this individual.
Based on guidance from local health officials, the individuals that the student interacted with in Smith Hall on March 14 have been contacted and they are self-monitoring their symptoms. To date, they have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms. As a precaution, local health officials have advised that all students remaining in Smith Hall self-monitor their symptoms for the next seven days.
As a university, we have strongly encouraged all residential students on the Crete campus to move out for the remainder of the semester. Right now, we have less than 50 students living in our residence halls. We will continue to take steps to help protect the health and safety of our community.
We also take this opportunity to remind our community of some important information regarding COVID-19. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, we are requesting your immediate attention to and compliance with the following CDC-recommended practices to ensure your own well-being and the well-being of others:
- Follow government mandates around travel, work, and leaving your home.
- Engage in social distancing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Get a flu vaccine
- Watch for cough, troubled breathing, or other signs of respiratory infection.
- Monitor temperature for a fever above 100.4 degrees F.
Those who develop a cough, fever, and difficulty breathing should call their primary care provider for further instructions. Students are also encouraged to contact Kelly Jirovec, Director of Student Health Services, at kelly.jirovec@doane.edu or (402) 826-8265. In addition to contacting their health provider, employees who are experiencing symptoms should contact Kelli Schweitzer at kelli.schweitzer@doane.edu.
Other local resources include:
- Public Health Solutions, which can be reached at 402-826-3880 or
- Crete Area Medical Center at 402-826-7980. Students must call before arriving.
The Student Health Services Office will also be offering Telehealth services as an option for students residing in Nebraska beginning on Tuesday, March 24th. Doane’s Counseling Center Staff are available to support those experiencing anxiety or other mental health concerns which are so common in these times.
Please continue to follow the CDC’s website for COVID-19 guidance and resources and Doane’s COVID-19 Information page for COVID-19 information and details in this fluid situation.