In the midst of a pandemic, NCC has been staying on top of campus-wide COVID-19 testing and tracing. Recently, the College hired two new full-time Contact Tracers and Case Managers.
“Contact tracing is a key component in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by notifying those who have been in physical, close or proximate contact with someone who has tested positive or is a probable positive case in order to minimize contact with the disease through immediate action such as quarantine and isolation,” according to a recent email sent out by the Dyson Wellness Center (DWC).
Due to social distancing, wearing face masks, washing hands, monitoring and tracing, positive cases of COVID-19 are very low. Of the 213 COVID-19 reports submitted through the College’s COVID-19 reporting form, only 20 students tested positive, many of which are now fully recovered.
New Contact Tracers and Case Managers
Divya Nagpal and Sathish Suresh started working and training in their new roles with the DWC medical staff last week.
Nagpal has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health in Health Planning and Administration from UIUC. After that, she received a Master of Public Health in Global Health Management and Policy from the University of Michigan.
“Divya recently returned from working as a public health and education contractor for the United Nations in Myanmar where she worked with people from over 15 countries with diverse perspectives,” according to a DWC email.
Suresh has a Bachelor of Finance from UIUC and a previous business career assisting in improving healthcare systems. Recently, he graduated from Saint James School of Medicine in Park Ridge, Ill., with a doctorate in medicine (MD). He will begin his residency in July 2021.
“Sathish brings extensive experience in medical interviewing of clients with a wide range of health concerns and over six years caring for and interacting with clients and healthcare professionals in multiple hospital and healthcare settings,” according to a DWC email. “He has worked with clients suffering from COVID-19 on ventilators and deeply understands the importance of prevention work.”
The NCC community has been successful in maintaining a safe and healthy campus so far. However, everyone must continue to be diligent in their precautionary practices to ensure campus experience can continue.
