A new strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China has spread to 28 countries, according to the CDC, and has been identified as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. 

There are no registered cases of coronavirus in Ohio, but warning against travel to China is advised for the Kent State community. Students, faculty and staff received an email from the Office of the Provost on Monday that announced temporary restrictions for all university-sponsored travel to China. The restrictions will remain in place until the community is notified by the Office of the Provost. 

Genna DiPippo, a sophomore digital media production major, said she has been more cautious of her cleanliness and is more aware of the virus since the email was sent. 

“I’m a little scared,” DiPippo said. “Just how serious it’s been taken, especially with the travel restriction, that put things in perspective of how serious this whole thing is. I try not to let that bother me, but it’s always in the back of my head.”

Although some students expressed concern over the coronavirus, others said they weren’t worried about it at Kent State. 

“I’m not scared because the email reassured us that there isn’t anything to worry about and I know there’s nothing in Ohio right now,” said Madison Mullen, a freshman speech pathology major.

“I know that it’s something that’s going around in our world, but not necessarily this campus so I’m not worried,” said Emma Henning, a sophomore fashion merchandising major. 

Matt Deep, a senior criminology major said that he’s been keeping up with the news and the updates about the virus. 

“I’m not scared to come to school or anything. From what I have heard, I think the people in America or the UK seem to be doing OK,” Deep said. “They’ve quarantined people so I’m not super worried about it.”

The university encourages students to visit the DeWeese Health Center (330-672-2322) for resources or assistance. 

Contact Sara Al Harthi at [email protected].