Penn State confirms case of covid-19

Penn State reported its first case of covid-19 on its University Park campus on Tuesday.

An alert was sent to students and the rest of the university community. No information about the individual was immediately available.

“It is up to public health authorities to determine what information is shared publicly in the interest of public health and in accordance with relevant privacy requirements,” the university said in a statement.

The majority of students and faculty at University Park are working and learning remotely, after Penn State canceled face-to-face instruction on March 11. Online courses began March 16 and will continue through the remainder of the semester. The university also postponed its commencement ceremonies, and implemented new procedures at the University Health Services office.

Students who are still on campus and are experiencing covid-19 symptoms are asked to call the University Health Services Advice Nurse Line to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are not being accepted, the university said.

“Positive cases further underscore the importance of the steps the university has instituted,” the university statement said.