Caltech Updates Earlier Statement That a Student Has Been Tested for COVID-19, Saying No Results Back Yet

Caltech updated its website Tuesday afternoon after announcing that a graduate student was tested for the Coronavirus on Monday by the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD).

“Caltech is actively monitoring this rapidly evolving situation. At this time, the Institute remains open and is operating all essential business and academic functions as normal. Caltech’s first priority is the health and safety of its students, faculty, staff, and community,” the statement reads. “We are proactively monitoring the path of coronavirus and are working closely with the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) and taking all precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”

The student, who exhibited mild symptoms, is currently self-quarantining in off-campus housing pending test results.

Public Health Director Ying Ying Goh appeared before the Pasadena City Council on Monday. She did not mention the Caltech student in open session. It is not known if City Council members were informed in closed session.

More than 50 people have self-quarantined in Pasadena since Feb. 3 complete numbers have not been provided by Goh despite a request by Pasadena Now.

According to Caltech, currently there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus on the Caltech campus, and no other Caltech community members are undergoing testing.

“As soon as we learn the outcome of the testing, we will inform you of the results and of any campus impact,” the campus said in an update. “In collaboration with and under the guidance of PPHD, we are continuing to operate within the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s established guidance for campus activities.”

Caltech has taken the following steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community:

• The Institute has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that is operating in collaboration with the infectious disease group in planning for and implementing the Institute’s preparedness efforts. Through this operation, the Institute is in regular communication with the PPHD.
• The Institute has offered guidance on non-essential domestic travel and has implemented international travel restrictions.
• All public events on campus have been canceled, postponed, or made virtual through April 6. No new events can be scheduled before May 1. Further cancellations will be considered on a rolling basis.
• Caltech custodial staff have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, which includes using EPA-recommended antimicrobial products on high-traffic surfaces, such as elevator buttons and doorknobs, three times per day.
• The Institute is planning for the eventuality that remote instruction may be necessary. Further guidance will be forthcoming.