Chancellor Plowman to self-isolate due to close contact, tests negative for COVID-19
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman in self-isolation and awaiting COVID-19 test results.
Photo of Chancellor Donde Plowman Credit: Maddie Torres
University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman is beginning quarantine after discovering she was in close contact with a positive COVID-19 individual.
Chancellor @DondePlowman learned this morning that she is a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. She has no symptoms, went immediately for a COVID test, and has begun quarantining. Read more at: https://t.co/NiyJ1axuHQ.
— UT Knoxville (@UTKnoxville) November 19, 2020
Chancellor Plowman discovered this news Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and began self-isolation. Plowman will continue to lead campus via zoom and will be assisted in other duties by Provost John Zomchick and other academic officials.
Chancellor Plowman is not experiencing any symptoms and has tested negative for the virus. She will quarantine for a minimum of 14 days in order to eliminate the possibility of spreading the virus.
This news means that Chancellor Plowman will not be able to reside over commencement ceremonies. Other academic officials will preside over these ceremonies in her place.
I am disappointed to not be at commencement but am taking health and safety protocols seriously. https://t.co/b5QzD6cW3a
— Donde Plowman (@DondePlowman) November 19, 2020
Chancellor Plowman released a message to the UT community in the weekly Vol Update emails.
“Please know I am taking this potential exposure and my responsibility not to expose anyone else very seriously,” Chancellor Plowman said.
She also encouraged everyone to continue to mitigate the spread by taking necessary precautions.
“As cases continue to rise in our community and around the country, and with major holidays looming, we must all do our part to help stop the spread of the virus. Please continue to maintain social distance, wear your masks, and consider how you can celebrate these special occasions safely,” Chancellor Plowman said.
Chancellor Plowman tweeted on Friday morning that her COVID-19 was negative. She will remain in quarantine for the next 13 days.
Edited by Ryan Sylvia
Featured image courtesy of Maddie Torres
