Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5 p.m. EST (Students via Social Media)

Update on Large Gatherings

Dear Kent State University Students,

With the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend, it is imperative that we inform you of Ohio Governor Michael DeWine’s recent order banning all mass gatherings of more than 100 people.

Events such as Fake Paddy’s Day or actual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are not permitted under this new ban.

We are asking for your help and cooperation as we work together to minimize the spread of coronavirus.

While you may not be ill or may not even fear getting coronavirus, it is important to understand that you could become an unwitting transmitter of this disease, spreading it unknowingly to other more vulnerable groups including your parents and grandparents, who are most susceptible to this dangerous virus.

The university and the city have been working diligently together to help stop the spread of coronavirus and a large part of that effort involves minimizing large gatherings. While younger people are at a lower risk of having symptoms from COVID-19, mixing in close quarters over multiple locations can greatly increase the risk of transmission.

We urge you all to act responsibly as we deal with this new and unusual challenge to our public health and to follow the directives from the governor on large gatherings until we know the virus is contained.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

• Lisa Dannemiller, M.D.
  Interim Chief University Physician
  University Health Services
• Joan C. Seidel,
  Kent City Health Commissioner