Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 5:07 p.m. EST (Faculty & Staff)

Dear Faculty and Staff,

While always keeping the best interests of our students, staff and faculty in mind, as an institution of higher education we strive to separate fear from fact. As we make decisions in reaction to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we will continue to always be driven by our long-standing Office of Global Education practice covering international travel, which is to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel warnings.

Kent State University does not allow travel to, or through, countries listed at a Level 3 Warning on the CDC travel notice rubric. All other travel will be permitted.

As such, scheduled spring break trips to Italy (CDC Level 3 travel warning) and Vietnam (the flight passes through South Korea, which is also at a CDC Level 3 travel warning) are canceled. In addition, university-sponsored faculty and staff travel to Level 3 travel warning countries for any purpose including but not limited to conferences, grant work and consulting are prohibited. If or when additional countries are assigned a Level 3 travel warning by the CDC, the university will cancel trips to, or through, those countries up to the day of departure.

Faculty with questions about university-sponsored travel should contact their dean.

We recommend that anyone who has traveled to, or through, a CDC Level 3 country and develops a fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as 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 travel to countries with elevated levels of COVID-19.

While Kent State is not able to stop travel for anyone taking personal trips over spring break, we strongly urge members of the Kent State community to consider such plans carefully at this volatile time and recommend that all heed CDC travel notices.

As always, it is important to practice sound prevention precautions, just as those used to prevent cold or flu:

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.

Health questions can be directed to University Health Services at 330-672-2322 or after hours to the Kent State Nurse Line at 330-672-2326. For more information about COVID-19 and answers to frequently asked questions, visit Kent State Coronavirus Information or the CDC.

The health and safety of our university community is of the utmost importance. Let's work together to maintain a safe environment for all.