Sunday, March 15, 2020 4:33 PM

Employee Being Tested for COVID-19, Important Residence Hall Information

Dear Kent State University Students, Faculty and Staff,

An employee at Kent State has been in close proximity to a person who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). This employee is in isolation for 14 days and is being tested for COVID-19.  (After this announcement was distributed, the employee's results came back negative.)

Over the last two days, this employee performed maintenance work in the following buildings:

Residence Halls (3):
Fletcher Hall, Lake Hall, Olson Hall

Other University Buildings (8):
Center for the Visual Arts, Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE), Heer Hall, Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC), MACC Annex, Schwartz Center, Taylor Hall, Williams Hall

Following guidance from the Ohio Department of Health, those who were in contact with this person in these buildings have been contacted and directed to self-isolate for 14 days. Those who were in these buildings and did not come into contact with this employee are at low risk and do not need to take additional precautions.

The areas of the buildings this employee entered are being deep cleaned today in accordance with guidance from the Ohio Department of Health. These areas will be ready for use tomorrow.

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and in accordance with the recommendations of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Kent State is closing Kent Campus residence halls. Students must make plans to check out of their rooms by 5 p.m. March 20. Students will no longer be able to access their residence hall after this time.

Students who officially check out of their room are eligible for a refund. Details regarding room and meal plan refunds are forthcoming. Students who need to return to remove their belongings after March 20 can contact the Department of Residence Services at housing@kent.edu to schedule a time for access.

Students who are unable to return to a permanent residence or an alternative housing arrangement should submit a Permission to Stay Request. Questions regarding residence halls should be directed to the Department of Residence Services at 330-672-7000 or at housing@kent.edu.

Students, faculty and staff will find additional guidance by visiting Kent State’s coronavirus information page. For questions regarding COVID-19, call 1-833-4ASKODH or Kent City Health Department at 330-678-8109.

We recommend anyone who believes they have been in close contact (within approximately 6 feet for a prolonged period of time) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate and call your local health department or healthcare provider for further guidance. If you have had close contact with a person with COVID-19 and develop symptoms such as fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), cough or shortness of breath, seek medical advice by calling your local health department. If you cannot reach your local health department, call ahead before going to the emergency room or doctor’s office to notify them of recent contact with individuals who have tested positive for the virus.

Continue to Take Preventative Measures

It is imperative that we take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid large gatherings and follow social distancing recommendations of 3-6 feet.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
• Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a healthcare professional) and avoid close contact with others.
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional information can be found here:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Ohio Department of Health

Our foremost priority is the health and safety of our Kent State community. As Flashes take care of Flashes, remember to show kindness and respect in all we do.

Lamar R. Hylton, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President
Division of Student Affairs

Julie Volcheck
Interim Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs
Director, University Health Services

Lisa V. Dannemiller, M.D.
Interim Chief University Physician
University Health Services