For Immediate Release

Contact: Katie Glass, Executive Director of Marketing/Public Information Officer
Phone: 608.822.2411
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: September 3, 2020

Southwest Tech Updates Campus Community of Fabricated COVID-19 Positive Test Report

On Sept. 2, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College received falsified documents incorrectly indicating a positive test for COVID-19 regarding a student attending face-to-face classes. The following day, September 3, the college was notified the individual fabricated the report and has not tested positive for COVID-19. The person involved is no longer affiliated with the college.  Students in the Electro-Mechanical Technology program will resume face-to-face instruction this Tuesday, September 8, following the Labor Day holiday on Monday. The college notified area health officials of the false report.

“We trust and care about our faculty, staff, and students.  Submitting a false report is never acceptable and we are working with legal counsel to consider options in light of the extenuating circumstances in this situation,” said Southwest Tech president, Jason Wood.  “We are grateful the risk of public spread is no longer a threat in this situation.  We urge people to stay home when they are not feeling well.  Please report COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or positive tests to college officials and your health care provider.”

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, any incident that creates a threat to the students, employees, or campus guests will result in a timely notification. These steps are essential to the college’s efforts in reporting and mitigating the spread of COVID-19. The college will keep the community informed of any new developments that would impact the campus’s health and safety. To learn more about Southwest Tech’s Phase III of the Return to Campus Plan, please visit the website. https://www.swtc.edu/news/covid-19-coronavirus/