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

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.