Information on COVID-19

There is an ongoing viral outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus COVID-19. The situation is continually evolving and new information and guidance are provided regularly. For detailed, current information related to COVID-19, visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Ohio Department of Health. You can also call the Ohio Department of Health coronavirus hotline at 1-833-427-5634. 

Ashland University follows the guidance and minimum requirements of the Ohio Department of Health and the Ashland County Health Department, but will adopt stricter protocols as needed. These protocols may differ from the requirements of the community at large due to the high risk of our congregate living environment as an institution of higher education. The information provided below is considered general knowledge, is subject to change and will be updated as needed.

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What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses typically cause symptoms that are similar to the flu and other viral illnesses. Some people infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms, while others exhibit symptoms such as:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

More severe symptoms that require emergency medical attention may include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

If you are seriously ill or exhibit severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from your healthcare provider or the nearest emergency department. It’s important to call before your arrival to ensure proper care and to report your concern of COVID-19.

Certain high-risk individuals are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19. Contributing risk factors may include the following:

  • Old age
  • Pre-existing health conditions, such as:
    • A compromised immune system
    • Diabetes
    • Heart or kidney disease
    • Chronic lung disease, including asthma
  • Liver disease
  • Hemoglobin disorders
  • Severe obesity
  • Pregnancy or recent pregnancy

For more information on high-risk individuals, visit the CDC’s website.

How Do I Stay Healthy?

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to practice routine hygiene etiquette:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid crowds and large gatherings.
  • Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer or use hand sanitizer (60% - 90% alcohol).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands or after touching surfaces.
  • Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces and items often.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. For more information on coping with COVID-19, visit our Psychological Counseling Services page.

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Ashland University and COVID-19

The Ashland University Student Health Center takes active steps each semester to lower the presence of COVID-19 in our community. We work closely with the Ashland County Health Department and follow guidance from state and federal health officials to lower the rate of infection and bolster the health of students and faculty.

We ask that you notify the Student Health Center immediately if you:

  • Develop any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Are being tested for COVID-19.
  • Have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • Have been exposed to someone who is known to have COVID-19 or is being evaluated for COVID-19.
  • Have been advised by a local, state or federal health department to quarantine or isolate.

We are happy to assist you and will provide you with guidance and resources related to COVID-19.

In the event of a COVID-19 case on campus, the Student Health Center will notify the Health Department immediately. The Student Health Center will perform contact tracing and determine whether you require isolation or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.

Ashland University arch on the Academic Corridor

Isolation and Quarantine

The university's approach to COVID-19 continues to evolve in accordance with updated public health guidance and the widespread availability of vaccines, face coverings, tests and treatments to prevent and mitigate the impact and spread of the disease. 

Vaccination strongly encouraged: All members of the campus community and those who attend events on campus are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated for COVID-19 with a complete initial vaccine series and any eligible boosters. The Ashland County Health Department offers free vaccines and boosters. 

Monitor symptoms daily: Monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 or any illness. If you are ill, self-isolate. Students should contact the Student Health Center at 419-289-5200 or healthcenter@ashland.edu. Employees are encouraged to see their healthcare provider.

  • Symptoms include
    • Fever or Chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or Body Aches
    • Headache
    • New Loss of Taste or Smell
    • Sore Throat
    • Congestion or Runny Nose
    • Nausea or Vomiting
    • Diarrhea

Testing: COVID-19 testing is readily available through local pharmacies, home test kits and healthcare providers. Symptomatic and exposed individuals are encouraged to be tested for COVID-19. Any student who tests positive for COVID-19 should notify the Student Health Center. A negative rapid home test (or antigen test) must be confirmed with a PCR test if the person has symptoms, so any student with symptoms should contact the Student Health Center for evaluation. 

Isolation: As recommended by the CDC and local health officials, all positive cases should fully isolate for a minimum of five days after the date of symptom onset (or date of positive test if asymptomatic) and up to 10 days if symptoms persist. Wear a well-fitting surgical or N95 mask for a full 10 days after the date of illness onset. Students are encouraged to return home to isolate, but campus accommodations are available for those who cannot return home.

COVID Exposure: Students who have been exposed to COVID-19 should report their exposure to the Student Health Center. Official quarantine is no longer required. You must wear a well-fitting surgical or N95 mask for 10 days after the date of exposure. Once five full days have passed, you should take a COVID test on day six and report those results to the Student Health Center at healthcenter@ashland.edu.  If symptoms develop during the 10-day post exposure period or you test positive, please self-isolate and contact the Student Health Center. 

Face coverings: All campus community members are welcome to wear a face covering at any time and high-quality masks are widely available. Face coverings are required when receiving services in the Student Health Center. 

Universal Infection Control Measures: Handwashing, good ventilation, use of outdoor spaces, frequent surface disinfection and the use of face coverings are important measures to reduce the spread of infectious diseases. 

Know Your Risk: If you are at a higher risk for severe complications from COVID-19, please take additional precautions to reduce your likelihood of infection, such as regular use of face-coverings and avoiding large gatherings when the community rate of transmission is elevated. 

This information is subject to change based on local conditions and updated guidance from health authorities.