“The University of Nebraska is proud to be a partner in serving our communities in a time of need.”
– NU System President Ted Carter
University of Nebraska at Kearney residence halls may be used for COVID-19-related quarantine purposes under a partnership announced by Gov. Pete Ricketts.
The agreement between the NU system and State of Nebraska allows for 2,100 beds at UNK, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture to be used for individuals who are:
- In quarantine while they monitor symptoms.
- In isolation while they await COVID-19 test results.
- Recovering from COVID-19 after being discharged from a health care facility.
“The University of Nebraska is proud to be a partner in serving our communities in a time of need,” said NU System President Ted Carter. “We have resources and expertise across our campuses that can be brought to bear in the state’s response to COVID-19, and this is one more example. I thank Governor Ricketts for initiating this important conversation with us.
“These are uncertain times, but the University stands ready to help Nebraska be as prepared as possible to meet the challenges ahead.”
University residence halls would be used, at the direction of the state, if beds at Nebraska health care facilities are at capacity or otherwise unavailable. Any individuals in quarantine would be housed in isolation from university students who have elected to remain in the residence halls. Any necessary medical care would be provided by the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, not the university.
The university will provide three “grab-and-go” meals per day for these individuals, and will also provide janitorial services. Rooms and communal restrooms will be cleaned at least once daily and will follow Centers for Disease Control best practices. The state will pay the university $100 per day per occupied room.
