Governor DeWine issued a travel advisory for those traveling to Ohio from states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15% or higher. Travelers from such states are advised to self-quarantine for fourteen days. Currently, these states are at or above the 15% threshold: Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Idaho, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. The list will be updated on Wednesday of each week. You can read more about the advisory here: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/families-and-individuals/covid-19-travel-advisory/covid-19-travel-advisory
If you are returning to Ohio from a state that is on the advisory list, we strongly encourage you to heed the advice to self-quarantine. And please factor this quarantine period into your plans to return so that you are prepared to attend classes. During a self-quarantine:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever, as well as other symptoms including cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.
- If fever and/or symptoms develop, call your medical provider.
- Remain at home and avoid all in-person activities. This includes work, grocery stores and pharmacies, public events, and public places.
- If you live in a home with other people who did not travel with you, stay in a separate room. If this is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least six feet away from others.
- Do not leave home except to seek medical care. If you need to see a provider for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call in advance and discuss the care you need.
- In the event of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. Indicate that you are in home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until you are asked by a health care provider to remove it.
- Do not have visitors in your home.
- Do not use public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
We understand that this will pose an inconvenience but it’s important that we think of the health and safety of our colleagues, friends, and family and do what we can to ensure everyone’s safety. We all hope this pandemic ends soon, and perhaps things like complying with this advisory will help.
