Dear Kent State University Student,
This email is to inform you that wastewater samples taken from your residence hall show a significant increase in the COVID-19 virus.
What Does This Mean?
Wastewater samples are collected from sewer lines that connect your residence hall and others. We monitor these samples because they are an early indicator of COVID-19; the virus shows up in wastewater often days before a person knows they are infected. COVID-19 virus in wastewater does not tell us who is infected or how many people are infected but is a key indicator of virus spread.
What Can You Do?
We want everyone to stay safe and healthy as the spring semester gets underway, so we are encouraging you to carefully monitor your health and get tested.
Here are a few steps to follow to curtail the virus spread:
- Monitor yourself for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, which could appear as cold or flu symptoms, including cough, fever or sore throat.
- Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any symptoms. Free test kits are available at the area desks in residence halls. They also are available at these locations across campus, by appointment at the DeWeese Health Center, 1500 Eastway Drive on the Kent Campus, and at most pharmacies and urgent care facilities.
- If you test positive for COVID-19, please contact Kent State’s COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525 to report your illness.
- Anyone who is sick can seek medical attention at DeWeese or another healthcare provider. Call the health center at 330-672-2322 to schedule an appointment or schedule online.
Avoid COVID-19 and Other Viruses
Remember to use responsible safety practices to keep healthy and avoid contracting or spreading viruses.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands. If you are experiencing cough or congestion, consider staying home and seeking medical care. Wear a face mask if you must go out.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipes.
Reach Out for Help
If you have any questions, contact the COVID Response Team at 330-672-2525 or visit Kent State’s coronavirus webpages for answers to your COVID-19 questions.
Sincerely,
Lisa Dannemiller M.D.
Chief University Physician
DeWeese Health Center
Melissa Zullo, Ph.D., MPH
Director, Pandemic Institutionalization Effort
Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs
Program Coordinator – Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Professor of Epidemiology, College of Public Health