Resources and Updates
COVID-19 Information
The health of our BVU community is our top priority. To mitigate risk and promote safety for our entire community, we have established practices for everyone to follow. Watch this page for future updates!
Preparedness Updates
The academic school year is approaching and we excited to welcome you back to campus. We remain dedicated to reducing as much risk as we can while opening residence halls, resuming face-to-face learning, and launching the Fall 2020 semester.
To stay up-to-date, view our resources and best practices for students and employees.
Previous Updates
- Aug. 28: Return to Campus Information: Campus Dining »
- Aug. 20: Return to Campus Information: Campus Dining »
- Aug. 11: American Rivers Conference Announces Decision to Postpone Fall Contact Sports »
- Aug. 7: Return to Campus Information: Academics » / Questions & Answers »
- July 24: Return to Campus Information: Campus Dining »
- July 17: Return to Campus Information: Guests & Events » / Residence Life » / Athletics »
- July 10: Return to Campus Information: Students » / Faculty & Staff »
- June 19: Work-from-Home Until July 10, Campus Events Update »
- March 29: Classes Moved Online to Prevent COVID-19 Spread »
- March 13: American Rivers Conference Suspends Athletic Competition »
- March 12: BVU Takes Steps to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 »
- March 5: COVID-19 Update »
- Feb. 23: COVID-19 Update »
State of Iowa Virus Assessment
The state of Iowa is asking that ALL citizens complete the virus test assessment and be tested if qualified. Please go to TestIowa.com to complete the assessment and more information. For questions call 211 or 800.244.7431. TestIowa.com
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
How does coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those infected with the virus experience mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
CDC officials believe the symptoms can manifest in as few as two or as many as 14 days after exposure.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
What should I do if I am sick?
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you have traveled to or from an affected area in the last 14 days and feel sick with a fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, or if you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms, the Iowa Department of Public Health is asking that you do the following:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a healthcare office, call ahead and tell them about your travel and your symptoms.
- Do not travel while sick. Avoid contact with others.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash hands often.
Prevention Protocol
The best strategy to reduce the risk of becoming ill is to avoid crowded settings and take preventive actions:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
- Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with coworkers and customers.
- Avoid shaking hands and always wash your hands after physical contact with others.
- If wearing gloves, always wash your hands after removing them.
- Keep frequently touched common surfaces (for example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.
- Try not to use other workers' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.
- Minimize group meetings; use e-mails, phones and text messaging. If meetings are unavoidable, avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with others and ensure that the meeting room is properly ventilated.
- Limit unnecessary visitors to the workplace.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.
Important Links
We encourage you to continue accessing information related to COVID-19 from expert sources such as these:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Official Coronavirus Information »
Official Map of Confirmed U.S. Cases »
World Health Organization Official Coronavirus Information »
