MILWAUKEE — A possible case of coronavirus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee triggers new precautions. The school is preparing to move classes online after an employee was tested for possibly having the illness.
"The individual who was tested is not at work. It's important to note that the majority of individuals in Wisconsin who have been tested have tested negative for COVID-19," said UWM Chancellor Mark Mone.
According to Mone, the employee went to a local hospital Monday. They had been in contact with someone who traveled to a country with a level three warning. The person works at the UWM Foundation near Cambridge and North Avenues.
"We have notified the individuals. They are not working in that area of campus and are going through a disinfecting routine," said Mone.
It is also next to the Cambridge Commons dorms.
"I'm not really worried. I consider myself a healthy person. But shoot, all of us had that gut feeling down there. We're a little worried. You have to be," said Aaron Cummins, a freshman at UWM living in Cambridge Commons.
The university also announced spring break would be extended an extra week from March 15 to March 29. That will give professors time to develop plans to move their classes online.
"I don't have to wake up early in the morning for class. It's just easier, I think. And it will prevent people from having the virus passed around if it is here," said Janey Weber, a freshman at UWM.
The university said classes, like labs and theater classes, will continue to take place in person. UWM is also actively discouraging employees and students from any non-essential travel outside of Wisconsin until the end of the semester.