Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Appalachian State Announces 16 Cases of COVID-19 Among Construction Workers

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 05/19/20

Appalachian State University recently learned that 16 subcontracted workers have tested positive for COVID-19. Notification came from the Appalachian District Health Department (AppHealthCare). This follows previous reporting of two other campus-related cases, one involving a university employee and the other a student who had traveled abroad.

The latest outbreak occurred on a team of people involved in a campus construction project. Although the university didn't name the project, it is in the process of constructing four new residence halls.

According to the university, the contractor "has engaged in a thorough cleaning at the job site and workers [would] remain off campus until cleared by public health to return."

When App State learned about the self-reported cases through one of its contractors, the school worked with the contractor and AppHealthCare to get testing done on all members of the work crew.

It also put into place new rules, requiring that subcontracted workers wear masks and maintain appropriate physical distance. That's already in place for university employees working on campus.

The institution said that all construction projects remained "on schedule."

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Cleveland High School Breaks Ground on Modernization

    Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., recently announced that construction has begun on a modernization project for Cleveland High School, according to a news release. The existing building will be replaced with a new, 300,000-square-foot facility at the same site.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.