The employee of a private company who had accessed UC Santa Barbara’s Nanofabrication facility in the Engineering Science Building for approved essential research on April 8 and 9 has tested positive for coronavirus, according to an alert sent out on Saturday night.
The individual “followed strict protocols while in the Nanofabrication facility, including wearing a gown and facemask and maintained at least 6 feet social distancing while on campus.” Max Abrams / Daily Nexus
In a separate email sent out minutes later, Chancellor Henry T. Yang clarified that the employee didn’t show symptoms of coronavirus until April 10 and sought testing several days later.
While “there is a low risk that anyone in our community was exposed,” Yang said in the email that the facility area where the individual was working will be deep cleaned and individuals who were in the area at the same time are being contacted.
The individual “followed strict protocols while in the Nanofabrication facility, including wearing a gown and facemask and maintained at least 6 feet social distancing while on campus,” according to the alert.
The employee, who is not affiliated with UCSB, has been self-isolating since being tested.
The Nanofabrication facility, which is a cleanroom facility specialized for scientific research and production, has its own specific cleaning protocols that include “regular extensive cleanings and large air exchange volumes,” Yang elaborated in the email.
The university is following national protocols and is “screening, isolating, and testing individuals who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection,” according to the alert.
Both the alert and Yang emphasized the importance of following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols by practicing social distancing, staying home if experiencing coronavirus symptoms and staying updated through the UCSB COVID-19 information page.
“Our campus facilities will continue to follow strict laboratory safety protocols and existing guidance allowing access only to individuals conducting approved essential research or providing essential services,” Yang said in the email.
