And then there were three

2:58 p.m., March 19

There are currently three positive cases of COVID-19 among the UCLA community. The most recent individual who tested positive is a staff member who works on campus. They have self-isolated off campus and are receiving care. Members of the UCLA community who need to be advised about their close contacts with our staff member are being notified. Please know that if there is a need for anyone to be isolated or tested, they will be contacted.

We understand this news may heighten anxiety and create concern among members of our community. Students should contact the Ashe Center Infection Control Line at 310-206-6217, and faculty and staff should call their health care providers, if they develop flu-like symptoms. Please always call ahead before arriving. Additionally, mental health is as important as physical health. Students can always seek services at UCLA’s Counseling and Psychological Services and staff and faculty can contact the Staff and Faculty Counseling Center.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, maintain a safe distance from others, wash your hands regularly, and cough or sneeze into tissues or your sleeve. 

► Faculty, staff and students can email covid19@ucla.edu with any questions regarding UCLA’s response to COVID-19.

Source: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/coronavirus-information-for-the-ucla-campus-community (This link is a continuously-updated service.)

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Editorial note: In the light of the above announcement, combined with the various proclamations from the governor and local officials, it is difficult to see how reconsideration of an in-person commencement fits in or what it would mean. Obviously, there can be collaborative planning for a substitute, virtual commencement would be. Perhaps there was no need to say anything about an event in June this far ahead. But once it had been said, announcing afterwards that there will be reconsideration seems to hold out a false promise.