Mississippi College officials say there is one coronavirus case linked to the college community.

Friday, college leaders reported that an adjunct faculty member was tested, confirmed positive and is now under the care of doctors.

Mississippi College officials have already notified any individuals who may have come in contact with this adjunct faculty member.

The faculty member has not been on the Clinton campus since March 5, before spring break began. Because Mississippi College delayed its return from spring break and moved to online instruction in March, the university does not believe any students were exposed. The likelihood of other faculty or staff members being exposed is also low.

“We have taken every precaution to protect MC students and the MC community since the beginning of this crisis, but we knew it was likely that COVID-19 would reach us, just as it has reached the rest of the world,” Mississippi College President Blake Thompson said. “In the spirit of transparency, we wanted to inform the MC community about this case as soon as possible. We pray for a full recovery for our adjunct professor and for the health and safety of the family involved.”

The university is following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Mississippi State Department of Health.

“This fast-spreading disease presents an emergency unlike any in our lifetimes. We continue to take every step possible to protect the health of our faculty, staff, and students,” Thompson said. “We appreciate what every member of the MC family is doing to continue our mission and protect our campus. We encourage the MC family to remain hopeful. We are an institution committed to both academic excellence and the cause of Christ. These commitments will see us through these challenging times.”