Move-in day has come and gone at Keene State College, and campus’ illness policy and prevention measures sweep the inboxes of new and returning students alike.
On Friday, August 23, an email sent to students from Student Engagement Vice President Jennifer Ferrell, on behalf of Wellness Center Director Barbara Berthiaume, details the illness policy and prevention measures here at Keene State College.
The email states, “The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has taken a unified approach to addressing common respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu and RSV. Specific COVID-19 measures are no longer in place as all respiratory illnesses are managed similarly.”
The email also suggested students should take precautions when experiencing symptoms of illness such as staying home until symptoms improve and are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Additionally, “Practice good hand hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. Take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.”
Nurse Practitioner at the Wellness Center, Anaka Nunink, urges students to refer to the CDC guidelines stating, “It’s always important to practice good hygiene, things like covering your face to cough or sneeze, and washing your hands consistently,” Nunik said.”
Nunink continued, “With everything, play it by ear, when symptoms clear and you start to feel better returning to class is acceptable.”
However, if you are feeling a combination of any two symptoms found on KSC’s illness policy, both the CDC and Nunink agree that “Students should remain out of class if they feel any symptoms.”
To help alleviate some of the stress of missing class, Nunink recommended, “Always refer to your professors’ attendance policies.”
Although the number of cases has been drastically reduced, COVID-19 continues to be a problem on campus, Nunink said.
“There has been quite a bit of COVID-19 in the Wellness Center so far, Nunink said.”
Nunink added, “Whenever students return to campus whether it be Move-in Day or returning from long breaks, that’s typically when we see the most amount of patients.”
According to Nunink, the Wellness Center sees most respiratory-related illnesses around fall when the temperatures drop.
Nunink said students do not need to feel stressed about going to the Wellness Center.
“We have a really open place for anyone and we are here for everything, whether it is questions about health, sexuality, gender- we are not only here to treat you, but to teach you,” Nunink said.
Parker Bartlett can be contacted at
Parker.Bartlett@keene.edu
