In This Together

The definition of community often includes words such as shared goals, common interests and connected needs – and this is the case when we consider our collective community with the City of Kent and Kent State University. 

"The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic call on us to consider the needs of our joint community now more than ever as our coordinated efforts will ensure the safety and success of all members. We are truly in this together and encourage every member of our collective community to follow the Flashes Safe Seven, local health guidance and common-sense consideration for each other." - President Todd Diacon

As part of our commitment to be good neighbors, the university is making various testing options available and known to the university community. We realize that when individuals know their status, they can take proper actions to protect others on campus and in the community. 

City of Kent Resources 

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  City of Kent Health Department »

  Access the City of Kent Health Department website for the latest information on COVID-19

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  Community Contacts »

  Locate emergency and non-emergency contacts in the City of Kent and Kent State community. 

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  Kent Safer Businesses »

  View the updated list of Kent SAFER businesses who have taken the pledge. 

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  Support Local Businesses »

  Support local businesses in the City of Kent by shopping, eating and drinking locally. 

State and Local Announcements

• Ohio Gov. DeWine announced that the Ohio Department of Health will be issuing a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. statewide curfew beginning on Thursday, Nov. 19 - Dec. 10. The curfew will be in effect for 21 days. 
• Effective Oct. 21, the City of Kent Council passed a new ordinance that allows for civil penalties to be levied against anyone who holds or attends gatherings of more than 10 people. Additionally, certain behaviors by Kent State students may be subject to discipline in accordance with Kent State Code of Student Conduct.
• On Oct. 8, 2020,  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that Portage County’s COVID-19 Risk Level has been raised to a Level 3 Red status. The Kent Campus resides in Portage County, and as such, must adhere to the state's guidelines for counties. Find information in the email notification, which has been posted online.
• Sept. 24: While Portage County moved back to COVID-19 Risk Level 2 on Sept. 24, we are not changing campus operations on the Kent Campus but staying the course until further notice. In addition to the changes that were made regarding visitors in the residence halls and dining to take-out only, we continue to ask students to avoid all gatherings and limit interactions outside of attending class and participating in physical exercise. We remain concerned about the spread of the virus and need to keep these mitigation strategies in place. Find information in the email notification, which has been posted online, or in our FAQs.
• Sept. 17: Gov. Mike DeWine announced a COVID Risk Level 3 Red status for Portage Country. The Kent Campus resides in Portage County and, as such, must adhere to the state’s guidelines for counties at a COVID Risk Level 3 status.
• Ohio Gov. DeWine has ordered that face coverings are mandatory for all public places in Ohio.
• It is important to note that on July 15, Kent City Council enacted a citywide requirement for face coverings to be worn by all in all public buildings within the city of Kent. The new city law also requires physical distancing of six feet inside and outside of all public locations in Kent. Additionally, face coverings are required outdoors in the city where 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible.
• The State of Ohio currently has a travel advisory: Those entering Ohio after residency in or travel to these states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or higher for COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days. If you are currently residing in one of these states or have visited one of these states within the last 14 days, we ask that you visit Kent State University at later date and consider remote options to connect with the Kent State community.