A member of the Weber State track and field team has tested positive for the coronavirus, the school announced Saturday via a letter to students, faculty and staff from university president Brad Mortensen and university director of public safety Dane LeBlanc.
The name of the student-athlete was not released. It is the first confirmed case at the Ogden school.
The student-athlete, whom the letter said has been self-isolating since March 16 (the test came back positive on March 20), lives off campus and the university “is working closely with public health officials to support a full and speedy recovery for this individual.”
The letter said the student-athlete had initial exposure to the virus from a non-student friend on March 13, and the friend tested positive after that date. Before the friend tested positive, the student-athlete had what the letter described as a “one-time, limited exposure” outside in a small group with other members of the track and field team.
Coaches and other members of the team who had direct contact with this individual are aware and are being asked to social distance and self-monitor, the letter said.
“As new information emerges, please remember the risk of COVID-19 is not connected with race, ethnicity or nationality,” the letter said. “Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin, and be sure to maintain confidentiality of those who may be tested for or have confirmed coronavirus infection. Sharing accurate information from only reliable sources is the best thing community members can do to keep rumors and misinformation from spreading.”
This is the first public announcement of a student-athlete at an institution in Utah testing positive for the coronavirus.
The Big Sky Conference, where Weber State competes, officially canceled all spring competitions and championships on March 18.