With the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency in May 2023, and in light of updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in August 2024, Kenyon has transitioned to treating COVID-19 as one of several endemic infections that can spread rapidly through local populations.  

Kenyon highly recommends that all students receive the updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations for the 2024-2025 academic year. Although not required, vaccination is strongly encouraged, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness. These groups include those with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.

For students who are having symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses, including fever, fatigue, body aches, cough, and headache, CDC guidelines no longer recommend five days of isolation. The new guidelines recommend that individuals:

• Stay away from others until symptoms are improving overall and there has been no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• When returning to normal activities, take precautions for the next five days, this may include wearing masks when indoors.
• Continue to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

If symptoms are concerning or are not resolving, students can call the Cox Health and Counseling Center, 740-427-5525 to make an appointment. Our providers may offer testing for COVID-19 or the flu, in addition to assessment and evaluation of your illness. Students can also reach the Cox Center by emailing health@kenyon.edu for support and guidance.

Kenyon remains committed to encouraging good public health practices and has folded relevant COVID-19 protocols into its standard operations.