ALL NEWS

College students urged not to go home to prevent spread of COVID-19

Oct 2, 2020, 2:32 PM

byu sign pictured, the school is appointing a new president...

FILE , KSL-TV

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Health officials are telling college students not to go home so they don’t inadvertently spread COVID-19 to family members. This comes as several colleges are moving classes online after coronavirus outbreaks on campus. 

One Utah family said this happened to them… twice. Brooke Shirley, a mother to two college students, said both of her kids came home for short visits — calling soon after they left that they had tested positive for COVID-19. 

It started with Shirley’s son, a student at Brigham Young University, who came home for Labor Day weekend. After returning to campus, he called his family to give them the news. 

“He called and said, ‘Mom, I can’t taste. I think I have coronavirus,'” Shirley recalled. 

Turns out, he did have it. Shirley and her family quarantined for two weeks, despite testing negative for the virus. 

But then it happened again. 

Shirley’s daughter, a student at Dixie State University, came home for “less than 24 hours” and exposed her family to the coronavirus for a second time. 

“The coronavirus was back in our house,” Shirley told KSL TV.

The college student was banished to the basement, where her family told her to stay until she recovered. 

“I felt so bad as a mom because I’m like, ‘You’re stuck. There’s nothing we can do for you but bring you food,'” Shirley said.

Again, the rest of her family tested negative for the virus. But they quarantined a second time to be safe. 

“I was so nervous that I had given it to people because I didn’t know,” Shirley said. 

Shirley said neither of her kids showed symptoms of COVID-19 before coming home. 

“Moral of the story is, if you have college kids and you want them to come home, you’ve got to really, really think about it,” Shirley said. “They unknowingly could be carrying this virus. Like my kids had no idea.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

College students urged not to go home to prevent spread of COVID-19