The following message was sent to the College of Medicine community on March 25.
Dear Students and Colleagues,
We learned today that a first-year Drexel medical student has confirmed positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. The student lives in an off-campus residence and was last on campus (at Queen Lane) on March 13. The student only recently developed symptoms and had no symptoms when on campus. Student Health and the Department of Public Health have been notified.
We are contacting the small number of students with whom the student interacted and advising them to adhere to strict social distancing and monitor themselves for symptoms until March 27.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, it is critical that all of us continue to take necessary precautions, including doing everything possible to avoid being exposed to the virus.
Students who have developed a fever with cough or shortness of breath, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have coronavirus, should call the Drexel Student Health Center right away at 215.220.4700. Faculty and professional staff are advised to seek medical care by calling their primary care doctor and asking to be evaluated for the COVID-19 infection. After calling their provider, faculty and professional staff should email covid19health@drexel.edu immediately and provide their name and phone number to be contacted by a Drexel representative. It is imperative that the University be made aware of any exposure risk to the members of the Drexel community.
Regular updates can be found at Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website, and the CDC's coronavirus 2019 page.
Amy Fuchs, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Valerie Weber, MD
Senior Vice Dean for Educational Affairs
Charles B. Cairns, MD
Walter H. and Leonore Annenberg Dean
Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs