President Hawkinson Advises Students to Limit Exposure Before Traveling Home

Dear KU Campus Community,

As we approach the end of in-person classes and move online for the remainder of the fall semester, it is important that we all continue to practice good hygiene for our health and well-being. Many of our students will be moving out and returning home in the coming weeks and we need to be mindful of our families and communities as we travel.

As students return home later this month, I am strongly encouraging all students to limit unnecessary travel and close contacts (i.e., quarantine) for 14 days before traveling.

Travel increases your chance of contracting and spreading COVID-19, as well as interacting with new close contacts. With the health and wellness of our campus community and their families in mind, we suggest that all of our students develop a plan with their families for their return home.

I ask all students preparing to travel home before Thanksgiving to consider the following:

• Students should only leave their room to attend class, eat/pick-up food, visit the library, exercise, work or shop for necessary items.
• Limit exposure for at least 14 days before interacting with others at home without wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing.
• Limit close contacts in order to lower the risk of exposure. If you've developed a set of close contacts, keep this group very small during your two-week time period.
• Mobile Ordering/To-Go Meals: Many students currently use the mobile ordering and to-go meal options. Students should utilize these services to limit exposure and the number of close contacts. Learn more about mobile ordering.
• Wear Face Covering, Practice Social Distancing: All members of our campus community should continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing as frequently as possible.

Thank you for your continued support of the university's Fall 2020 Reopening Plan.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson
President
Kutztown University