Defiance College reports outbreak of COVID-19; spread is limited to campus

September 28, 2020

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance College recently had an outbreak of COVID-19 positive test results. Due to the quick response by DC's COVID health team, it is well on its way to containment. The new cases were mainly concentrated in athletics and discovered during follow-up testing from three previously tested students. Working closely with the Defiance County Health Department, the College immediately took safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of a number of individuals on campus, we have shown a history of eliminating spread from COVID-19 to the greater student body. We expect that to continue in this situation as well. Since our first positive case, our goal has always been quick and decisive action to limit COVID-19's spread," states Defiance College President Dr. Richanne C. Mankey. "The health and safety of our campus community is one of our top priorities, especially during this pandemic."

Health Commissioner, Jamie Gerken, says, "We would like to thank Defiance College for being proactive in their steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, despite all best efforts, this virus has the capability to spread. We appreciate the quick response Defiance College makes when a case is identified. This quick response is imperative in limiting the spread of COVID-19. Defiance County Health Department is collaborating with Defiance College to investigate cases and work together to limit the spread of the virus on the campus and in our community."

Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be in isolation for ten days. Those who have been in close contact with others who tested positive will be in quarantine for 14 days. The students will be retested approximately every five days until quarantine ends and no positive tests are present. Defiance College takes COVID-19 and
contact tracing seriously.

It appears this uptick in cases occurred because a few individuals did not adhere to the preventative measures required by Defiance College. Currently there are 38 COVID-19 cases on campus; this represents only 5% of the campus population.

Defiance College REQUIRES everyone on campus to wear a mask when around other people, perform a daily health check and report results through DC's Campus Clear app, maintain physical distancing whenever possible, clean and sanitize their work and study spaces, wash/sanitize their hands often, and show respect to others. Layering these measures is the best defense.

Defiance College's goal is to continue face-to-face instruction through Thanksgiving.

Chartered in 1850, Defiance College is an independent, liberal arts-based institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate programs of study as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of service and engagement. The College is guided by the four pillars of its mission: To Know, To Understand, To Lead, and To Serve. The College website is www.defiance.edu.