After originally deferring all media to the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD), the university responded to The Observer early this morning about the student being tested for the novel coronavirus. 

“The health and safety of Central students is our highest priority,” Vice President of Public Affairs Kremiere Jackson said. 

According to Jackson, the student being tested has been placed in “voluntary” isolation and the KCPHD is interviewing people who came in contact with the student.

Jackson said the testing is a precautionary measure and, according to KCPHD, most who are tested will not have positive test results. 

As of Jan. 30, there is only one confirmed case in Washington State, according to the Washington State Department of Health’s website. There have been eight negative tests and nine more are pending. There are 67 people being monitored for coming in close contact with the one person who has the virus.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and should we have a confirmed case of the virus,” Jackson said. “We will take the swift and appropriate steps.” 

Jackson did not say what the appropriate steps are, but a follow-up email has been sent. 

In a similar statement released to the public, CWU recommended people stay home when they’re sick, wash their hands often and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. 

Updated information can be found on the CWU website as it becomes available.