KENT, Ohio — As students across the country have returned to college campuses amid the Coronavirus pandemic, many institutions are urging their students to take additional precautions.
On Tuesday, in a letter sent to students, the Kent State University administration asks residents to avoid parties and gatherings in addition to limiting interactions with others outside of class and physical activities for two weeks.
The request comes as a result of Gov. Mike DeWine announcing that Portage County, where the university is located, has been elevated to a COVID-19 level 3 red risk status due to an influx in new cases.
"If we diligently focus our efforts for the next two weeks, rigorously practice the Flashes Safe Seven, avoid parties and limit our activities to classes and physical exercise, we have a great chance of getting Portage County out of COVID-19 Risk Level 3 Red status and back down to a level in which the entire Kent community will be safe," the University's letter read.
The University is also encouraging students to report behavior not in accordance with stopping the spread of the virus. Students who fail to follow the safety principals in place or fail to quarantine after testing positive will face "strong disciplinary action," according to the University.
Should Portage County remain at a level 3 risk status, the University says it is prepared to take additional actions.
To read the full letter to students, click here.