In times like these, the coronavirus can find its way anywhere, even with several precautions taken to stop the spread. One of the areas that has been affected recently by Covid-19, is the Kappa Sigma Fraternity House.

Many members of the fraternity were exposed to the virus when one member had unknowingly contracted the virus from one of his family members that was not from Ashland. Once exposed, everyone who was there had to quarantine at the house for fourteen days.

No members in the house tested positive after being exposed and were monitored for symptoms closely by health professionals and campus faculty.

Though necessary to keep the virus under control, quarantine can have a large effect on the lives of college students. Vice President of the fraternity, Justin Stritmatter, mentioned how the fraternity functioned during the struggling times.

“Many of Kappa Sigma’s operations had to be put on hold for the time being. We were forced to put events and lip sync practice on hold,” Stritmatter said. “We had to find ways to host nominations and elections via a zoom meeting. But in the end, we collectively found a way to still make it all possible from just being in our rooms.”

Luckily with the technology that was adopted into classrooms, students can still function and go to school via Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate.

Before the virus hit the fraternity community, Stritmatter talked about the precautions they took as a fraternity to try to prevent the virus in their household.

“Before the semester even started, we knew Covid-19 would be an ongoing issue and we needed to be proactive. We started to clean even more than ever to ensure a healthy environment,” he said. “As a group we would spend time after chapter cleaning door knobs, handrails, and remotes.”

Once the brothers were in quarantine, meals were delivered to them every day and they were not allowed to leave their room under any circumstances.

Social media coordinator Christopher Canter was very impressed with Ashland’s preparedness of the situation.

“I was grateful for how prepared Ashland was with the virus. Meals were delivered to us from Convo three times a day. We had a member from the community that would reach out to us and see if we needed anything from school work, supplies, and to check in on our mental health,” Canter said.

Though this time can be very difficult, especially for college students who are away from home, it is an issue new to everyone and is a learning experience, no matter the situation.

“These past two weeks have taught me that a leader needs to be able to adapt to any situation that presents itself and you have to be able to make changes accordingly,” Sritmatter said. “I knew this type of situation may present itself during the year, so it helped me to be already mentally prepared for it.”

This virus might be strong, but according to the members of Kappa Sigma, the Ashland community is stronger when everyone comes together in a time of need— helping each other get through this pandemic.

“I can’t thank the community enough for everything they have done for us. We plan to write everyone involved thank you notes to express our gratitude,” Canter said. “Brotherhood can’t be quarantined.”