President of Harvard University Larry Bacow and his wife Adele have tested positive for coronavirus, he confirmed in a university letter on Tuesday. Bacow said in his statement that the couple had been social distancing since March 14.
“We started experiencing symptoms on Sunday—first coughs then fevers, chills, and muscle aches—and contacted our doctors on Monday. We were tested yesterday and just received the results a few minutes ago. We wanted to share this news with all of you as soon as possible.”
President Larry Bacow and his wife Adele have tested positive for COVID-19 and are being treated at home https://t.co/xbHgJBnN3i
— Harvard University (@Harvard) March 24, 2020
Since Bacow is a big public figure, it can be a serious threat to many. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will inform any person who was in contact with the president of Harvard University and his wife in the last 14 days.
“We will be taking the time we need to rest and recuperate during a two-week isolation at home,” he continued in the letter. “I am blessed with a great team, and many of my colleagues will be taking on more responsibility over the next few weeks. Adele and I focus on just getting healthy.”
source: Harvard Magazine
“This virus can lay anyone low. We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines to limit our contact with others,” he continued. “I hope to see as few of you in our situation as possible. And I urge you to continue following the guidance of public health experts and the advice and orders of our government officials.”
However, as of yesterday, 18 people of the Harvard community have also been tested positive for the virus, as confirmed by the world’s oldest university in another statement.
Also Read: French Researchers Think They Can Treat Coronavirus With Malaria Drugs
The prestigious university announced its first case of COVID-19 on March 13, days after announcing that it was moving all classes online. They also asked students to move out of campus housing.
So far, 1159 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. That’s up from 777 the day before.
Unfortunately, Harvard University, which has the largest financial endowment of any school, is also cutting its subcontracted dining hall workers without pay as it shuts down in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The move is drawing criticism from employment rights advocates. They are pointing to the university’s $40.9 billion endowments as evidence that the school is hardly in financial straits. They also claim the decision violates Harvard’s wage equality policy.
Trump optimistic about getting over the situation
The World Health Organization (WHO) is fearing that the United States could become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic. However, US President Donald Trump is hopeful the country will shake off coronavirus by Easter.
The president told a White House news briefing that early next month would be “a beautiful timeline”. The country has so far recorded almost 55,000 cases and nearly 800 deaths.
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