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COVID-19 Updates and Info

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.

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 optional when receiving services in the Student Health Center with the following exceptions:

1. any visitor or patient who has signs of respiratory illness will need to wear a mask.
2. Associates or providers who are requested to wear a mask by a patient while being treated in the Student Health Center for that visit.
3. Associates returning to work who have tested positive for Covid-19 until 10 days from symptom onset/date of positive test.

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.  Even though masking is optional and the risk of Covid-19 is significantly decreased, that does not mean the risk of exposure is zero.  Please continue to be vigilant with the prevention measures, stay home/in your room if you are ill and contact the Student Health Center.

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 upon local conditions and updated guidance from health authorities.  The masking policy is subject to change if there are significant increases in respiratory illnesses.