March 6, 2020 

Media Contact:
Libby Siebens, community relations executive director, 509-682-6436 (Mon.-Thurs.)
Maria Agnew, WVC safety, security and emergency manager, 509-682-6659

Wenatchee Valley College was notified by Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) at around 4 p.m. on March 6 that the WVC student being tested for COVID-19 has tested negative for the virus.

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of either WVC students or employees being diagnosed with COVID-19 (novel coronavirus 2019).

On Monday, March 2, CDHD was notified that a patient at Cascade Medical Center in Leavenworth met the criteria for COVID-19 testing and that the patient has attended some classes recently at Wenatchee Valley College’s Wenatchee campus.

Although the results of the test were negative, WVC will continue to follow the best practices for sanitization as outlined by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Custodians are focusing their efforts on high-traffic areas like classrooms, labs and common areas. 

In the event that another student is tested, WVC will follow the same protocol. College leadership will consult with CDHD and, unless advised otherwise, will remain open. WVC will continue thorough cleaning of campus and will regroup with the CDHD once the results are in. 

The closure of the campus or of specific college facilities is not currently recommended, according to the CDHD, the DOH and the CDC. The college will consult with these agencies when making decisions about college operations.

“We are taking the possibility of a coronavirus case on campus seriously. We have been advised by health experts to keep campus open,” said WVC President Dr. Jim Richardson. “However, we are understanding of those students and employees who may need to work from home at this time. Our two biggest priorities right now are the safety of our campus community and continuing to offer essential services to our students.”

The WVC instruction department, IT department, and library and distance learning team have already prepared options for students and employees who need to stay home due to illness, concern about underlying health issues or other reasons. Students are encouraged to communicate with to their instructors about plans for remote education options and with questions about individual class cancellations.

Employees and students are advised to follow the prevention methods outlined by the CDC, including practicing good hygiene, washing their hands thoroughly and frequently and staying at home if they’re feeling sick.

Employees, students and members of the public may sign up for emergency text alerts to be notified of any WVC delays or closures by texting "CAMPUSALERTS" to 67283.

WVC will provide more information as it becomes available and answer common questions at wvc.edu/PublicHealth.

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Wenatchee Valley College enriches North Central Washington by serving educational and cultural needs of communities and residents throughout the service area. The college provides high-quality transfer, liberal arts, professional/technical, basic skills and continuing education for students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. Visit our website, wvc.edu.

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and state laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
• To request disability accommodations: Director of Student Access, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.