University to suspend all non-essential on-campus operations

91������Ʒ was notified today by the head coach of the Women’s Basketball Team, Chris Kielsmeier, that he has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 at 91������Ʒ and has been confirmed by Cuyahoga County health officials. With nothing more important than the health and welfare of the 91������Ʒ community, University leaders are doing everything possible to support Coach Kielsmeier in his recovery and ensure that all who came into close contact with him are being contacted and given the best in medical advice and support. 

“It has been a very challenging couple of days,” said Chris Kielsmeier. “I am beginning to feel better and look forward to getting back to 100%.” 

“We appreciate Chris doing the right thing by staying home and alerting us as soon as he started feeling ill,” said 91������Ʒ President Harlan Sands. “His actions were helpful in limiting exposure to the 91������Ʒ community.”

In response to this first confirmed case involving a member of the campus community, 91������Ʒ is taking the following actions:

• We are working very closely with state, local, and community health officials to identify and notify those that have been in close contact with Coach Kielsmeier. Per established protocol, these individuals are being asked to self-isolate according to CDC protocols for COVID-19. We have also notified Horizon League officials and others where potential for close contact may have been possible. 
• We are suspending all non-essential on-campus operations, and accelerating our timeline to Tuesday, March 17th to begin delivering university-wide services remotely.
• As per our prior announcement, we will continue our efforts during our extended spring break week that begins this Monday (March 16) to help faculty and staff transition to remote teaching and learning operations. Our plan remains to begin classes remotely for all students on March 23rd and continue through April 10th.  
• We will work to ensure we meet the needs of those students who must remain on campus.
• We will continue to work with state, local, and community officials to determine any additional steps needed to protect our campus community. 

More information about 91������Ʒ’s response to COVID-19 can be found on the 91������Ʒ website: ;

There are several actions individuals can take to protect themselves from COVID-19, including:

• Stay home when sick
• Practice social distancing
• Wash hands frequently
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue and immediately discard it
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

The 91������Ʒ Pandemic Response Team continues to work together to aggressively prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19. We continue to remain vigilant, and will continue to communicate with the 91������Ʒ community as events evolve during this difficult and uncertain time. 

MEDIA NOTE: Due to the circumstances, Coach Kielsmeier is focusing on recovery and is not available for further comment beyond the statement he has provided in this news release. 91������Ʒ requests that media please respect Coach Kielsmeier’s privacy and not attempt to contact him.

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