EWU records first COVID-19 case

CHENEY -- Eastern Washington University officials announced today (May 8) that it had recorded its first case of COVID-19.

In a statement on its website, the university said it had been contacted by Spokane Regional Health District officials that "a member of our campus community tested positive for COVID-19." The individual was apparently not on campus during the time they were contagious and is currently in stable condition at their home, with EWU officials offering assistance.

The Regional Health District has contacted the individual and conducted contact-tracing protocols to determine if anyone else may be impacted. No further safety or health actions are being taken at this time by "EWU or by our students, faculty and staff."

University officials said in the future they would only notify the campus of incidents which require broader action, and continue to work with the Regional Health Department on contact-tracing and notification.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].