Marist Student Tests Positive for Coronavirus

A Marist College commuter student has presumptively tested positive for COVID-19, as stated in an email sent by College President Dennis Murray Friday evening.

According to the email, local health officials notified Marist leadership of the diagnosis last night. Since then, Marist Health Services has communicated with all students, faculty, and staff who came into contact with the individual.

“If you have not received a separate email from Marist Health Services, there is no reason to believe you have been exposed to the virus,” wrote Murray in the address. 

The student was confirmed to have only gone to class and has made one visit to the dining hall. They were not present in any other spaces on campus, nor did they attend any “public lectures or participate in athletic, religious, musical, or other cultural events,” as stated in the email.

The first coronavirus diagnosis in Dutchess County was made public Thursday afternoon. As of Friday, two additional cases were also confirmed.

Dutchess County officials enacted a State of Emergency Friday afternoon. This entails closing schools for two weeks starting on Monday and suspending large social and community gatherings. 

The email to the Marist community concluded by stating that the administration will reevaluate the risk of continuing campus-based education. An update on the college’s decision will be sent early next week.

“We are working in close collaboration with state and local health officials to make sure we are taking all possible steps to protect the health and safety of the Marist community,” said Murray. 

This is a developing story. Please check back here for future updates. For more information, visit the Marist College coronavirus webpage, https://www.marist.edu/coronavirus-updates.

Cover photo: US Dept. of State