Embry-Riddle Safeguards are Helping, Final Summer Test Results Suggest

Student wearing bandana rides skateboard through campus
Results indicate that Embry-Riddle's precautions have helped prevent the spread of Covid-19 on campus.

Aug 07, 2020, 11:31 AM

Off-Campus Parties Represent a Major Health Hazard, University Emphasizes

Since face-to-face summer classes began on June 30, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has conducted 993 Covid-19 tests that confirmed 22 cases across both residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona. Fifteen of the 22 cases have now been completely cleared, while 7 remain under care.

These results suggest that Embry-Riddle’s strict health precautions are helping to prevent the spread of the virus, university officials said.

There is no evidence to date of any confirmed transmission of Covid-19 within the university itself.

There has been a documented case of Covid-19 that resulted when a student took part in an off-campus “apartment party.” Embry-Riddle has repeatedly emphasized the need to take personal responsibility everywhere, both on and off campus.

“Off-campus apartment parties can negatively affect students, their friends, parents, grandparents and others, making these types of gatherings a very serious concern,” said Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler. “We urge all students to think about how they can help reduce risks to the university community. Every one of us can be a risk reducer.”

Embry-Riddle has conducted diagnostic Covid-19 surveillance testing of faculty, students and staff since June 22. Surveillance testing will continue throughout the fall 2020 semester. In addition, Embry-Riddle has added rapid testing capability to its overall plan. Embry-Riddle healthcare professionals on both campuses will determine who needs to undergo testing, using which method.

Results from the final round of summer testing were as follows:

Daytona Beach Campus:

  • 827 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle since June 22
  • 21 cases confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
  • 7 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
  • 1 previously confirmed case

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 29
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 22
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 7

Prescott Campus:

  • 166 individuals tested by Embry-Riddle since June 22
  • 1 case confirmed positive by Embry-Riddle
  • 2 other cases confirmed positive through external testing
  • 5 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 8
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 8
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 0

Worldwide Campus:

  • 1 case confirmed positive through external testing
  • 3 previously confirmed cases

Total Cases Confirmed to Date: 4
Total Cases Recovered/Cleared to Resume Activities: 4
Total Cases Active/Under Isolation: 0

Only confirmed (not suspected) cases are reported. All confirmed cases are fully disclosed to the university community as well as all appropriate health authorities.

On Course for the 2020-21 Academic Year

“Our experiences during Embry-Riddle’s summer sessions have encouraged us,” Dr. Butler said. “We are applying knowledge gained over the summer to fine-tune our plans for face-to-face fall 2020 classes, which will begin on Aug. 24, with an array of stringent health precautions in place.”

Embry-Riddle’s strategic Path Forward plan – newly updated – explains how the university is leveraging its foundational safety culture to keep everyone as safe as possible. Health precautions include mandatory face coverings, daily wellness checks and physical distancing, as well as increased disinfection procedures, barriers, and more. Diagnostic tests, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, are being completed in collaboration with healthcare providers. Students, faculty and staff selected for a required test will receive direct notification via email.

Health Reminders

  • If you are sick, have been on a cruise, or if you have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19, do not come onto Embry-Riddle’s campuses.
  • In case of difficulty breathing or chest pain, call 911.
  • Please promptly report any concerning symptoms (i.e., fever, cough or congestion) to the health services or campus safety unit on your campus:

    Daytona Beach Health Services       386-226-7917

    Daytona Beach Campus Safety       386-226-SAFE (7233)

    Prescott Wellness Center                 928-777-6653

    Prescott Campus Safety                    928-777-3333

  • All students are urged to download and use Embry-Riddle’s new EagleGuardian smartphone app. In an emergency, this app allows students to contact Campus Safety with the touch of a button. The app also has a locator feature that will help first responders reach students quickly.

Safety Requirements

  • Everyone must have a wellness check every 24 hours before spending time at Embry-Riddle.
  • Face coverings are mandatory in all common areas, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Physical distancing (six feet apart) is also required at all times.
  • Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
  • Get your flu shot as early as possible.
  • Those selected to undergo mandatory diagnostic Covid-19 testing must self-quarantine as they await their test results.

Please review our Covid-19 information page and Frequently Asked Questions.

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