CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Harvard University President Larry Bacow and his wife Adele have tested positive for coronavirus.
In a letter to the Harvard University community, Bacow said the couple learned they tested positive Tuesday morning, and began experiencing symptoms—"first coughs then fevers, chills, and muscle aches"—on Sunday.
"Neither of us knows how we contracted the virus, but the good news—if there is any to be had—is that far fewer people crossed our paths recently than is usually the case," Bacow wrote. "We began working from home and completely limiting our contact with others on March 14 in keeping with recommendations to adopt social distancing measures."
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be in contact soon with anyone who did interact with the couple over the past 14 days.
Bacow said he and Adele will take the time they need to rest and recuperate during a two-week home isolation.
"This virus can lay anyone low," Bacow wrote. "We all need to be vigilant and keep following guidelines to limit our contact with others."
He thanked those in the university community for their actions "to respond to the needs of our community, to fulfill our teaching mission, and to pursue research that will save lives," saying they have made him grateful and proud.
"I urge you to continue following the guidance of public health experts and the advice and orders of our government officials," Bacow wrote. "The world needs your courage, creativity, and intelligence to beat this virus—wishing each of you good health."
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