For the safety and health of our community, Keene State has suspended all in-person classes and is offering remote learning for the remainder of the semester. ▸

Student services remain available. For details, check your Keene State email or our COVID-19 website. https://www.keene.edu/covid-19

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Information and College Updates on COVID-19

Thank you for visiting this website, which is dedicated to sharing the latest information related to the COVID-19 outbreak. The safety of our college community, surrounding community, and our loved ones are most important to us. Keene State is staying up to date on the ever-changing situation with COVID-19 and is actively working with local and regional partners. We are adapting our college operations, and our instructional and student engagement methods, to ensure Keene State’s quality experience continues remotely through the spring semester. We anticipate welcoming students back to campus in the fall. Please stay tuned to this page, as it will be updated as more information is available.

  1. Facts About COVID-19
  2. Frequently Asked Questions for Students, Faculty, and Staff
  3. Prevention
  4. Treatment
  5. Travel Policy Update – Effective Immediately
  6. 14-Day Self-Quarantine Practice & Monitoring
  7. Course Instruction Will Continue Without In-Person Classes for the Semester
  8. Faculty and Staff Planning for the Semester and Future
  9. Important Highlights to Know
  10. Current Advice from Health Officials
  11. Keene State College’s Pandemic Response Team
  12. Contact Us

Facts About COVID-19

  • COVID-19 is a newly identified coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory infections. COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread worldwide and to all 50 US states. 27 states are currently reporting community transmission. Community transmission means that people have been infected with the virus in an area, including people who aren’t sure how or where they became infected.

This virus is a health concern because:

  • It is newly identified therefore much remains unknown about it
  • While some cases are mild, the virus has caused severe illness and death.

What is the risk?

The CDC currently considers COVID-19 to be a serious public health risk. For most people, the risk of catching the virus is still low. However, there are cities and regions in the US, and around the world, where the disease is spreading and confirmed cases are rising. It’s important to be aware of the situation where you are or where you intend to go. The CDC and WHO are closely monitoring the situation and provide ongoing updates.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can present 2-14 days after exposure and can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing

Transmission

The virus is thought to mainly spread from person to person, who are within 6 feet of one another, through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are believed to be most contagious when they have symptoms, such as cough or fever, but there have been reports of people transmitting the virus when they don’t have symptoms. It is possible that a person can become infected by touching a contaminated surface, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes, however this mode of transmission is not thought to be the main way that the virus spreads.

Frequently Asked Questions for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Please read our FAQ for information about the following:

  • Background on Coronavirus and the Keene State Case
  • Travel and Self-quarantine Policy
  • Housing and Campus Resources
  • Remote Instruction/Coursework
  • Events, Visitors, and Performances
  • Refunds
  • Summer and Fall Registration and Classes

If you have specific questions for the Registrar’s Office about declaring your major, ordering transcripts, preparing for graduation, class registration schedules and holds, and more, visit.

Prevention

The best way to prevent respiratory illness is to avoid being exposed to viruses. In accordance with the latest best practices from the CDC, we recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a disinfectant cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. View Handwashing Handout

Treatment

If you are sick and suspect COVID-19, stay home except to get medical care.

Additionally you should:

  1. Seek emergency care or call 911 if you are having trouble breathing, have persistent pain or pressure in your chest, have bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse.
  2. Contact your healthcare provider before going to their office. Keene State College students may call
    The Wellness Center at (603)358-2200 Monday through Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm.
  3. You can also contact the NH Division of Public Health Services with questions and/or
    concerns at (603)271-4496 or after hours (603)271-5300.
  4. Avoid contact with others.
  5. Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
  6. Do not travel.
  7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  8. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Travel Policy Update – Effective Immediately

Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, and the fluidity of the situation, all Keene State-sponsored travel has been canceled until further notice.

14-Day Self-Quarantine Practice & Monitoring

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer at least two times a day and watch for cough or difficulty breathing. Record your temperature each time.
  2. Stay home from school and work.
  3. Employees: Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work to develop any alternative plans for work (e.g., working remotely) and how to report your leave time.
  4. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
  5. Try not to have any visitors to your house during this time. If you have visitors tell them that you are under possible COVID-19 self-quarantine.
  6. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
  7. If you get sick with fever > 100.4 degrees F, have cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory illness, contact the NH Bureau of Infectious Disease Control: 603-271-4496 (after-hours: 603-271-5300) or your local state department of public health and tell them about your symptoms and that you are under possible COVID-19 quarantine. Do not go out in public.
  8. If you need to seek medical care for other reasons (such as necessary infusions, dialysis, lab draws, etc. for other chronic conditions), call ahead to your provider and tell them about your recent travel and quarantine status.
  9. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them your symptoms and that you are being monitored for possible COVID-19.
  10. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  11. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  12. People who may have mild symptoms of COVID-19, even if they haven’t been tested, should stay home until at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared AND you have had no fever for 72 hours (3 days) without the use of fever reducing medications AND other symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, are improved.

Course Instruction Will Continue Without In-Person Classes for the Semester

Students are asked to return to their permanent residence after spring break. We will not resume face-to-face instruction until further notice. Although classes will not be meeting in person on campus at Keene State College, students and professors will maintain academic progress through alternative learning experiences beyond classroom meetings. All students will continue instructional activities with professors, and our commitment is to ensure that students’ high-quality academic experience continues. Faculty will work with students to ensure course content is continued to be taught.

Faculty and Staff Planning for the Semester and Future

Faculty and staff at Keene State are providing continued support and instruction that ensures our students’ success. As we move forward managing our COVID-19 response, we will engage students using both in classroom and out of classroom methods, while community members are in self-quarantine or are experiencing illness.

Most importantly, students will continue their learning and remain on track to reach their academic goals for the year. Faculty and staff are developing continuity plans and mixed academic experience delivery options. Academic and business planning ensures that our College will be positioned to continue delivering our academic programs with integrity despite COVID-19 or other public health emergencies long into the future.

Important Highlights to Know

  • Keene State College campus buildings are closed to the public.
  • Most on-campus events will be postponed, canceled, or offered virtually.
  • Face-to-face classes will be suspended until further notice. Students are receiving instruction on how to continue studies from professors. Students should regularly check email, Canvas, and other tools used in class.

Current Advice from Health Officials

CDC recommends non-essential travel to: China, Iran, UK and Ireland, most European countries

  • For Domestic travel, things to consider: Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?
  • Will you be in close contact with others? Crowded settings such as airports, buses, trains can increase your exposure risk.
  • Will you be at increased risk for severe illness? Travelers over 60, and those living with diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease have a greater risk for severe disease.
  • Do you have a plan to take time off work if you get sick with COVID-19 or need to self-quarantine?
  • Do you live with someone who has a serious, chronic health condition?

To stay healthy and reduce your chance of illness, practice everyday preventive actions such as:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces.
  • Staying home from work or school if you have a fever or are not feeling well.

If you are traveling through any international or major airports, use the good health practices listed above in the airport and on the airplane, and travel with a bottle of hand sanitizer to use as needed.

For Returning Travelers:

If you have traveled internationally: Stay home for 14 days from the time you returned home, whether or not you have symptoms. During this 14-day period, take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
  2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
  3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
  4. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

What to Do If You Get Sick

If you get sick with fever or cough in the 14 days after you return from any travel, domestic or international:

  • Stay home. Avoid contact with others.
  • You might have COVID-19; most people are able to recover at home without medical care.
  • If you have trouble breathing or are worried about your symptoms, call or text a health care provider. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.

If you need to seek essential medical care for other reasons, such as dialysis, call ahead to your doctor and tell them about your recent travel.

Keene State College’s Pandemic Response Team

Keene State College has created a Pandemic Response Plan to help the campus prepare and respond to a pandemic outbreak. The purpose of this Plan is to describe specific actions to be taken at designated Alert-Level Stages by the College in the event of an outbreak with specific organization responsibilities for primary and support groups outlined. The Plan is implemented in accordance with the KSC Emergency Operation Plan and used to advise the community about the campus response to a potential or developing pandemic. The plan encompasses the various aspects of communication and education, preparedness, emergency response, and the recovery and maintenance efforts to take place in the event of a potential or developing pandemic.

In line with the World Health Organization Pandemic Response Alert Phases and recommendations of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Keene State College has established the following alert matrix for our Pandemic Response Plan:

What type of transmission is confirmed? Where are the cases? Alert Level
None or sporadic cases only Anywhere in the world Level 1
Person-to-person transmission Anywhere in the United States, Caribbean or Mexico Green/Level 2
Person-to-person transmission Possible/confirmed case in the state of New Hampshire Orange/Level 3
Person-to-person transmission Possible/confirmed case at KSC Red/Level 4

Members of the Pandemic Response Team have a prescheduled weekly meeting and in are frequently meeting in an ad hoc capacity. Members of the team include representatives from the following areas:

  • The Wellness Center
  • Child Development Center
  • Campus Safety
  • Residential Life
  • Dining Services
  • Physical Plant
  • Environmental Safety
  • Emergency Planning Committee
  • Custodial Services
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Human Resources
  • Global Education
  • Academic Affairs
  • Information Technology
  • President’s Office

Contact Us

If you have questions that are not answered on this page, please email responseteam@keene.edu.

Additional Guidelines from the NH Epidemiologist that You May Find Helpful

  • Everyone should monitor the CDC’s Travel Health Notices and avoid travel to any country with a level 3 travel notice.
  • We also recommend that people consider postponing travel to Level 2 Travel Health Notice countries (currently only Japan), and other countries with rapidly increasing case counts and evidence of more sustained or widespread community transmission.
  • There are also locations in the United States with higher levels of COVID-19 community transmission (e.g. King and Snohomish Counties in Washington State, Santa Clara County in California, Westchester County in New York), and the number of cases in the United States overall continue to increase.
  • Because of the rapidly changing global epidemic we recommend that any person closely scrutinize the purpose and destination of any planned travel and consider postponing any out-of-state travel for the time-being.
  • Additionally, because of travel restrictions being put in place by other countries, anybody who does travel internationally risks difficulty returning and could potentially face quarantine in another country (e.g. Italy) and/or quarantine upon returning to New Hampshire based on progression of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
  • It is especially important for those at higher risk of health complications from COVID-19 to consider postponing any domestic or international travel. Emerging data from China show that people with multiple medical conditions and those older than 60 years are at increased risk of serious health complications and even dying if they become ill with COVID-19. These individuals should talk with their healthcare providers before any travel.

  • We suggest that people should closely review the COVID-19 epidemiology of countries included in travel itineraries before deciding on any travel. More information can be found on the following websites:

  • Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Mapping
  • World Health Organization Travel Advice
  • CDC U.S. Update
  • CDC Traveler Advice

Contact The Wellness Center

☎ 603-358-2200
✉ responseteam@keene.edu

We are located on the 3rd Floor of the Elliot Center.