Updated Information About COVID-19 Presumptive Positive Cases

Eleven additional members of the Duke community have tested as presumptive positives for COVID-19. Most of these individuals traveled internationally, and these individuals were quarantined at their homes off-campus immediately upon returning to Durham. All 11 individuals are isolated at home and will continue to isolate until they receive medical clearance. Duke University consulted with the Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) for further guidance.

Neither Duke nor DCoDPH authorities will identify any individual patient nor provide any information that could compromise the privacy of these individuals.

Duke Health and DCoDPH are working to complete contact investigations to determine if these individuals had close contact with others within Durham County while symptomatic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines close contact as being within approximately 6 feet of a person with a COVID-19 infection for a minimum of 10 minutes.

Both the Durham County Department of Public Health and Duke University want to assure the Durham community that every step is being taken to provide guidance to any individuals in Durham county who may have  been exposed to COVID-19. Because COVID-19 is most commonly spread through respiratory droplets, North Carolinians should take the same measures that health care providers recommend to prevent the spread of the flu and other viruses, including limiting exposure to groups, washing your hands, and avoiding touching your face.

Durham residents are encouraged to follow social distancing provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Individuals should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others when possible and avoid large gatherings.

For accurate, up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.duke.edu, dcopublichealth.org, ncdhhs.gov, & cdc.gov.