CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) -Austin Peay State University President Alisa White on Monday announced that a student living off-campus and a university staff member tested positive for the coronavirus.
These are APSU’s first two confirmed cases.
University officials notified all campus community members who were in contact with the student or the staff member and informed them they needed to take the necessary precautions for self-quarantining.
“Although this is news we hoped to avoid, it is not unexpected given the rapid spread of this virus across the country,” White said in an email to campus. “Still, I know it is a cause of concern.
“I urge our students, employees and community members to continue to take care of themselves,” White continued. “We are hopeful the student and staff member both have a full and rapid recovery.”
The student hasn’t been to campus in several weeks, and the staff member was last on campus on March 14.
Austin Peay officials have encouraged students to leave campus if they are able to, and the University has moved all face-to-face classes online or to other non-face-to-face formats for the rest of the spring semesters and through summer classes.
“This crisis is ever-changing and has impacted our campus, our community, our families and our lives,” White said. “None of us has faced these challenges before, and I appreciate the support you have shown as we move forward.
“We will overcome this together.”
For more information about Austin Peay’s response to the coronavirus crisis, visit https://apsu.edu/coronavirus/.