COVID Update

office of the president in a faded blue background

This is your hub for resources as we define the “new normal” for students, staff and faculty at Rhodes State related to COVID-19. Rhodes State College will continue to follow the Allen County COVID-19 Community Level as defined by the CDC.  You can check county levels here.  If the Allen County COVID-19 Community Level is identified as high, masks are strongly recommended inside when social distancing cannot occur.   

If a student/employee tests COVID-19 positive:

  • Students - contact your instructor(s).
  • Employees - contact your supervisor.  
  • Regardless of vaccination status, you should stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others.
  • End isolation based on your symptoms and follow the full isolation recommendations on CDC website.

If a student/employee has been exposed to COVID-19:

If you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed:
  • Wear a mask and return to work or class by following CDC guidelines, regardless of your vaccination status or if you have had a previous infection.    

Covid Testing Available

At Home COVID-19 Rapid Tests are available, at no cost, to any employee or student. Tests may be obtained through Safety & Security (in Tech Edu Lab) as supplies are available.  Directions on how to take the test are available via the QR code (on the box) or at https://ohio.emed.com/.  

Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits are also available (four per address) at covidtests.gov. You may also find them at area libraries, fire departments and other public buildings as distributions are announced in the media.

If you purchase COVID-19 Test Kits online or in a store, your health insurance will either cover the costs (up to $12 per kit with a limit of eight per insured person per month) at the time of purchase or you will be able to be reimbursed with your receipts. Check with your insurance provider to see if are covered at the time of purchase or if you will be reimbursed.

Rhodes State employees participating in the College’s health insurance can get COVID-19 Test Kits at Walmart or Rite Aid pharmacies, free at the time of purchase. 

Testing is also available through the Allen County Public Health COVID-19 Testing | Allen County Public Health.

Symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported--ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Go to CDC website for additional information. 

Vaccinations

Rhodes State College encourages everyone who is eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccination (Note: Some clinical sites may require proof of vaccination. Contact your health program for more information).  The state has created an online tool (https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/) to help Ohioans identify vaccine distribution sites in their communities. Additional information about the state’s vaccine distribution plan is available on the Ohio Department of Health website.