UMD Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus

COLLEGE PARK, MD — A University of Maryland student who returned home from studying abroad is the first member of the UMD community to test positive for the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, according to the director of the University Heath Center.

The student had been studying in Barcelona, Spain and recently returned to her home where she tested positive for COVID-19. The student did not return to College Park and is isolating at her home outside of Maryland.

According Dr. Sacared Bodison, the interim director of the University Health Center, all students in the Barcelona program were notified and given CDC guidance, which says anyone who was exposed to a person with COVID-19 should remain home for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms.

"We are actively monitoring two other suspected cases where symptoms are suggestive of a positive diagnosis," Bodison said, in a letter to the UMD community. "Out of an abundance of caution, we have proactively shared information with members of the campus community that we know came into close contact with any individual suspected to have COVID-19."

Bodison encouraged students to monitor news about the coronavirus in their local communities. They should also continue to check UMD's website for updates.

After Gov. Larry Hogan recommended the University System of Maryland close for the rest of the semester Thursday, its board decided undergraduate instruction would be done remotely through the spring term. Commencement ceremonies will be canceled to comply with the governor's order that groups of more than 10 people may not gather for events.

Also See: Coronavirus: UMD Cancels Face-To-Face Courses For Spring Semester