TAMPA, Fla. -- A staff member with the University of South Florida has tested positive for coronavirus, according to the school's announcement on Wednesday.
USF said the staff member, who works in the USF Counseling Center on the Tampa campus, is now self-isolating at home. According to state health officials, the employee had direct contact with 13 students and several employees.
The employee who tested positive was on campus on Monday, March 9 and Thursday, March 12.
The announcement comes after all universities in Florida, including USF, were ordered to keep their classes online for the rest of the spring semester to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
ABC Action News spoke to two international students who are trying to get home to Australia and England.
"There is not much they can really do apart from let students know who have been in contact with that person," said student Charlotte Setter.
"I wasn't expecting to have to go home two months early and having to deal with all of this. It's been a tough couple of weeks with all of it, but I hope everyone stays safe," said Chelsea Wenden, a student.
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USF said any students who are in need of guidance or medical assistance are asked to contact the following student health service resources:
- Tampa Student Health Services (SHS100) at 813-974-2331
- St. Petersburg Wellness Center (SLC 2200) at 727-873-4422
- Sarasota-Manatee Counseling and Wellness Center (5805 Bay Shore Rd.) at 941-487-4254
Below is the letter sent to students by USF's Steve Currall:
