In response to the public health concern of the 2019 novel coronavirus, ºÚÁÏÍø is working closely with the Ohio Department of Health, and local county and city health departments as they monitor the spread of the virus. We will continue to work with these public health agencies to ensure we are prepared should the virus reach our immediate area.
Unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new coronavirus, your risk of getting sick is low. If you have traveled from China and are experiencing signs and symptoms (fever and cough), contact your doctor or ºÚÁÏÍø's DeWeese Health Center BEFORE going to the physician’s office or health center.
Important campus community resources and contact information:
- Ashtabula County Health Department
- 12 W. Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047
- Phone: (440) 576-6010
- Fax: (440) 576-5527
- University Health Services’ staff is available for any healthcare questions:
- Julie Volcheck, Interim AVP Student Affairs, Director University Health Services
- Email: jvolchec@kent.edu
- Phone: 330.672.8245
- Dr. Lisa Dannemiller, Chief University Physician
- Email: ldannem1@kent.edu
- Phone: 330.672.8245
- Shelly Verba, RN, Nurse Manager
- Email: sverba@kent.edu
- Phone: 330.672.8231
- Chris Woolverton, PhD, Professor, Dean’s Fellow
- Email: cwoolver@kent.edu
- Phone: 330.672.2333
Public health officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low. There are no additional precautions recommended for the general public.
Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean your doorknobs/light switches and areas commonly touched with disinfectant wipes frequently.
Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections.
For more information about ºÚÁÏÍø’s response and precautions, visit www.kent.edu/uhs/coronavirus. We will post updated information on the website as it becomes available.
As Flashes take care of Flashes, remember our values of respect, kindness and purpose in all that we do.