COVID-19 Information

August 28, 2023
    MASKS

    Kutztown University is mask-optional for all individuals, including all classrooms and private offices. KU supports all members of its community who choose to wear a mask. Please respect and honor the comfort level and choice of all members of our campus on whether to wear a mask.

    VACCINES

    The COVID-19 vaccine is not required for any student, employee or visitor of Kutztown University. Kutztown University strongly encourages members of its campus community to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Use www.vaccines.gov to find a location near you, then call or visit their website to make an appointment. 

    PREVENTION

    In an effort to try to prevent any contagious illness,

    • Wash hands frequently and before eating with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
    • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
    • Avoid sharing cups, water bottles, utensils and other personal items.
    • Stay home when sick and avoid others who are sick.

    STUDENTS

    Students experiencing COVID-like symptoms should call the KU Health Center, Beck Hall, to schedule an appointment for examination and testing at 610-683-4082 (please do not walk into the Health Center to request testing or to schedule an appointment). The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. When the Health Center is closed, students can seek care/testing at LVHN ExpressCare-Moselem Springs (14351 Kutztown Road, Fleetwood, PA 19522-9273), or St. Luke’s Care Now-Kutztown (15065 Kutztown Rd., Suite 100, Kutztown, PA 19530). If you have an emergency, call 911.

    Students who are sick should stay home and not attend class until they are no longer experiencing symptoms. Students should contact their professor(s) to work out a plan for absenteeism.

    There are at-home test kits available without an appointment at no cost in the Health Center Self-Care Station.

    Students who test positive for COVID-19 must return home. Per CDC guidelines, students will be advised to isolate at home or at an off-campus location for five days from the date of symptom onset, or from the positive test date if no symptoms are present. The first day of symptoms and the positive test date in the absence of symptoms are considered day 0; the first full day after your symptoms began or the first full day after your positive test result if no symptoms exist is considered Day 1. Students may end isolation after day five if they are 1) fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and 2) their symptoms are improving. Once removed from isolation, students must wear a mask on campus through day 10. Note: students who live in a shared bedroom on campus will not be permitted to return to their residence hall through day 10. A return to regular activity for all who tested positive may occur on day 11.

    EMPLOYEES

    Employees experiencing COVID-like symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis, testing and/or treatment. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they should contact Human Resources by phone (610-683-1353) or email (humanresources@kutztown.edu). Details can be found on the HR website.

    Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and feel well enough may request to work remotely for the length of their isolation (maximum 10 days). Questions about the necessary length of isolation and/or masking period should be referred to the employee’s healthcare provider or can be answered by the using the CDC’s Isolation and Exposure Calculator. Supervisor approval of remote work requests should be forwarded to HR. Details can be found on the HR website.