As of Friday, Aug. 28 at 6:15 p.m., the numbers provided below were the most accurate available. However, if you wish to review the most recent data please refer to Meredith's COVID-19 tracking page.
Today at 1:23 p.m., Heidi LeCount, the Director of Residence Life, sent an email to students living in Poteat Residence Hall confirming the first positive case of COVID-19 within a residence hall. Standard cleaning had already been completed in Poteat at the time of the email, and additional deep cleaning will be completed on Saturday, Aug. 29. Both the first floor entrance and kitchen are closed off until deep cleaning is concluded. The stairwell nearest Belk Dining Hall is temporarily closed to normal traffic but is open for use in case of an emergency.
Under FERPA and HIPAA privacy regulations, Meredith College is unable to provide additional details about student cases. Active and cumulative cases at Meredith are reported on Meredith’s COVID-19 notifications page. This case brings Meredith’s cumulative positive test count to 18. The entire Meredith community was notified at 1:24 p.m. of the closure in Poteat Residence Hall and Belk Dining Hall East. In an update at 1:33 p.m. correcting the previous email, it was stated that Poteat Residence Hall was not closed fully and that only specific areas in the building will be closed while cleaning is completed.
When asked about an interview, Residence Life responded with a blanket statement that is being used to maintain HIPAA and FERPA guidelines regarding confidentiality and anonymity. Students looking for information about the Residence Halls were asked to please refer to Meredith’s COVID-19 website, student email account or the Director of Residence Life.
By Rachel Van Horne, News Editor