COVID-19 update: Cases take a sharp turn

By Abigail Cloutier

Youngstown State University’s number of COVID-19 cases took a sharp uptick this week. On Monday, the university reported 31 cases for the week of Oct. 10-16, an increase from the 18 cases reported last week.

Of those, 27 were students living off campus, one student living on campus and three employees, which could include faculty, administration or staff.

This week, 40 people were tested through the university’s asymptomatic voluntary testing program. Of those, none tested positive.

YSU’s COVID-19 dashboard is updated every Monday based on confirmed data from the week before. Students who have tested positive should report their case through the online form. 

YSU reminded students that it’s partnering with the Youngstown City Health District to offer two more vaccination clinics on campus.

These clinics will take place Nov. 4 and Dec. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Ohio Room in Kilcawley Center. All students, faculty, staff and their families are eligible for either the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine or the two-shot Moderna vaccine. Appointments are required at ysu-covid.com

YSU sent out an email stating free surgical face masks and KF94 face masks are available at no charge to students. They can be picked up at Maag library, Kilcawley Center room 2075 and any of the university residence halls and apartments.

N95 respirators are also available to employees who qualify. Individuals must complete a health questionnaire at ysu.edu/request-n95-0

Any questions about masks and respirators can be answered by Tim Styranec at [email protected]