YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State University is today responding to large gathering of people seen outside the The Edge apartments on Saturday, Aug. 15, along Lincoln Avenue in Youngstown.

The response from the university's office of marketing and communications stated that Saturday's large gathering "violates health and safety guidelines put into place by YSU to ensure the well-being of everyone at the university. Such gatherings are unacceptable and put the entire campus at risk. Students violating safety guidelines are subject to action via the Student Code of Conduct. Only by working together and taking responsibility for ourselves and others will we be able to keep YSU safe and maintain on-campus operations."

The university is asking that anyone was part of the gathering to be diligent in conducting daily health assessments and monitoring possible symptoms of COVID-19. The school is also saying that if students have symptoms or if you have had contact with someone who has tested positive in the past 14 days, to follow appropriate protocols by contacting the Office of Student Outreach + Support at 330-941-4721.

 

21 News reached out Mahoning County Board of Health about the incident. Tara Cioffi, the Environmental Health Director for the Youngstown City Health District said the Edge apartment complex was not given a citation or warning as of yet, as the department is still investigating. The Youngstown City Health District was informed of multiple fire alarms that occurred Saturday that forced  Edge residents out of the complex.

Cioffi said her department is working with YSU representatives, including YSU police, to gather information and help educate those living in the buildings as well as the property owners on a better approach to safely manage mass evacuations in the future, which may consist of designated areas outside to allow for social distancing.

On July 30, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine clarified the ban against mass gatherings of more than 10 people was not allowed in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, beyond gatherings at a household and should be limited to 10 or less, wearing of masks was recommended.