On March 15, President Rev. Brian F. Linnane notified the Loyola community of the first confirmed COVID-19 case within the student body. 

In his urgent email, he writes: 

“A Loyola undergraduate student, who has not been on campus since before he became symptomatic, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The student traveled to Spain over Spring Break, developed symptoms there, and went home without coming to campus at any point in time. He is making a good recovery at his home outside of Maryland.”

Linanne also confirmed six other students had traveled to Spain with this student. He writes:

“They had been back on campus for approximately 24 hours when the University learned that the student was being tested for COVID-19. Those six students immediately were sent home to self-quarantine for 14 days.”

According to Linanne, one of those six students “exhibited mild symptoms” and is now being tested for COVID-19. The student expects to receive those results later this week. 

Student Health Services has reached out to members of the community who may have been in close contact with the student.

Linanne continued to promote the practice of social distancing, as the administration “will continue to take every precaution to try to keep members of our community healthy.” 

“Even though we have known that the coronavirus could and would touch our Loyola community, this is certainly difficult news to receive, causing anxiety and fear. It is also a tangible reminder of why we have taken the steps we have taken and put the policies in place that we are implementing. But I assure you we continue to assess what more we can and should do to protect our community.”

The email was sent out hours after Baltimore confirmed the first case of coronavirus in the city. 

“During this time of great anxiety, please know that we are here to support one another,” said Linanne. 

Linanne urges students to reach out to the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, the student life office, or Student Health Services. 

In the coming weeks, the University will continue to communicate with the community regularly and will keep the coronavirus webpage updated with the latest information.

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