Hand sanitizer dispensers are scattered throughout the dorms on campus at UNLV, Tuesday Aug. 18, 2020. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNLV has taken extra precautions in order to maintain social distance and safety for students while living on campus.
Published Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020 | 8:30 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020 | 10:10 p.m.
UNLV is reporting its first COVID-19 case since classes resumed in a limited, in-person capacity on Monday.
The person infected was not showing symptoms and was last at the Maryland Parkway campus on Tuesday, UNLV President Keith Whitfield wrote in a letter to the school community.
It wasn’t clear if the person, who found out about the diagnosis on Wednesday, is a student or staff member. UNLV has set up a website where any positive cases will be disclosed.
Before the fall semester began, the university learned of 41 confirmed cases among students and employees in August.
Whitfield said the person in the latest case was isolating and that contract tracing had begun.
UNLV kicked off the semester with 80% of classes being held virtually, with face coverings required on campus.
"We know that COVID-19 is present in our university and broader community, and across the country," Whitfield said. "We also understand this may increase concern and anxiety among our students, faculty and staff. The most effective action we can all take is prevention."
