As part of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s ongoing strategy to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Kent State has partnered with the city of Kent to bring the Ohio Department of Health’s Pandemic Testing Team to campus from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 for an open testing event.
This event, just five days before many will leave the Kent Campus for Thanksgiving break, was specifically timed so that students and others can get tested and know before they leave if it is safe to travel or visit with family and friends over the holiday without fear they could be spreading COVID-19.
The testing will take place in the ballroom on the second floor of the Kent Student Center. Medical personnel from the Ohio National Guard will perform a nasal swab test with results back in about two days.
The free testing is open to anyone from the university community, including students, faculty, staff and their families, as well as members of the general public. Parking will be free in the main lot on Risman Drive.
This event also will include a flu shot clinic, so that the campus community can be protected from what could be a serious flu season on top of the pandemic.
Students especially are urged to get tested and then use extra caution over the following five days so they can head home for Thanksgiving break knowing they are not taking the virus with them to more vulnerable family members, including elderly grandparents.
As always, any member of the university community who has COVID-19 symptoms can arrange for a test any weekday by contacting the KSU COVID Response Team by calling 330-672-2525 at the DeWeese Health Center, where staff performs COVID-19 tests every day. Students, faculty and staff may also schedule a free test at any CVS Minute Clinic location. Visit the COVID-19 testing webpage for all testing options.
Knowing one's status is an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 status can change in a day. It is important to remain vigilant with the Flashes Safe Seven principles, including wearing a face covering, practicing frequent hand washing, maintaining a safe distance from others and avoiding gatherings.
As we head toward Thanksgiving break, it is more important than ever for everyone to step up, unite and commit to halting the spread of COVID-19. Upcoming travel for the holiday has the potential to create a significant increase in the spread of this deadly virus. Flashes unite and do what’s right - let’s do all we can to protect our families and communities.
Know before you go!