We demand that improved COVID-19 safety measures, hereby known as the Students Safe Six, be implemented to ensure a safer and more successful Spring 2022 semester. The Students Safe Six are improved COVID-19 safety measures that are supported by the most up-to-date scientific information about the Omicron variant and statements from the Kent City Health Department. 

The Students Safe Six are as follows: 

1. 2 weeks of remote instruction (Jan. 18-Jan. 28) for all classes that do not require special equipment or interactions that cannot be delivered remotely, as was done during the Spring 2021 semester, as well as easy opt-in remote access for those who choose throughout the semester. 102 colleges and universities across the United States, including both public and private universities, have gone remote for the first two weeks to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, which is currently the dominant variant in the US and spreads more easily than previous variants. Allowing remote access for those who choose throughout the semester allows vulnerable and high-risk students to protect themselves, and ensures that no student is forced to choose between their health and their education.
2. KN95 or N95 masks provided weekly free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff. These masks are the most effective against the Omicron variant, but are often prohibitively expensive. University-provided masks would provide greater protection against Omicron to more Kent State personnel. 
3. Required regular PCR tests for all students. Regular testing can help identify asymptomatic cases, identify and contain outbreaks, and allow for medical intervention more quickly and efficiently and has been implemented at other universities. Additionally, rapid tests are not always reliable for detecting Omicron, making PCR tests the most fitting type of test for this requirement.
4. Establishing a threshold for returning to remote instruction during the semester. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and test positivity rates in Portage County are at all-time highs, but the university is now taking fewer precautions than in previous semesters. Clearly communicating what COVID-19 situation would lead to a return to remote learning would help students, faculty, and staff be more prepared as they navigate the coming semester. 
5. Committing to adding a booster shot to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement. Booster shots provide the best protection against the Omicron variant. While we recognize that the state of Ohio does not currently allow EUA vaccines to be required, full approval of booster shots by the FDA is imminent. Knowledge that this shot will be required in the future will increase both uptake of the booster shot and knowledge that the Kent State community is committed to staying safe.
6. Increased transparency about health decisions. Kent State students, faculty, and staff do not feel that the university is being transparent with them about decisions related to COVID-19, and this has negatively impacted their college experience. (To share your story or view the stories of others, click here.) 

Thank you for supporting the Students Safe Six! For updates, please follow us on Instagram @covidcoalitionkentstate.