Additional action steps to battle COVID-19

Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, President | November 19, 2020

Surging cases of COVID-19 across Ohio have prompted a statewide curfew, a stay-at-home advisory in the Columbus area, and the declaration that Franklin County has gone purple — reflecting “severe” exposure and spread of the virus.

This is a moment for every Buckeye to help turn the tide. To that end, the university is implementing these additional action steps:

  1. Instruction: Effective Friday, November 20 at 6 p.m., in-person classes will be moved to online or other forms of remote instruction. Exceptions where in-person instruction is permitted include clinical programs conducted under approved safety protocols as well as laboratory, studio and performance classes. Students should check with their instructors about alternative plans for in-person courses, and professors who need assistance with different delivery modes should contact their academic department. Any clinical programs that change teaching modality should inform the Office of Academic Affairs.
  2. Work: Any employee who can telework should do so starting immediately, after coordinating with your supervisor. This will enhance safety measures for those who must be on our campuses. The Office of Human Resources website has information available about telework options as well as leave programs for faculty and staff during the COVID-19 state of emergency.
  3. Curfew: Consistent with the statewide curfew issued by the governor, all students, faculty and staff should be in their homes between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they have essential work or other responsibilities allowed. Campus facilities, including dining halls, recreational facilities and the Ohio Union, will close by 9:30 p.m. or earlier; please check websites for updated hours before visiting. University Libraries will offer contactless services after today, so buildings will be closed to the public.
  4. Stay at home: Under the public health advisory issued by Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health, effective 6 p.m., Friday, November 20, everyone in Franklin County should stay at home except for taking part in essential activities. Please follow public health guidance on size of gatherings. 

Details of the university’s response to public health orders and advisories are listed on the Safe and Healthy Buckeyes website.

These steps are on top of the basics: Remember to wear a mask, wash your hands and stay at least 6 feet apart from others. 

Finally, let’s all remember to take care of one another. We must follow the COVID-19 safety requirements but we also need to tend to all other aspects of wellness, including our emotional and mental health. Please use the wellness resources available for the Ohio State community. 

Thank you for taking care of yourself, your family, friends and fellow Buckeyes.