COVID-19 FAQs

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper- respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The Centers for Disease Control always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of flu and respiratory illnesses, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols will be followed in the event there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on campus. Individuals who have had close contact with the patient will be contacted and monitored by the Tazewell County Health Department with Bluefield University’s full support.

Bluefield University has previously restricted all University-related travel to essential travel only with approval by University leadership and will continue this policy until further notice.

Visitors to campus must complete a Visitor Intake Form. For more information on visiting campus, please contact Jordan Dillon at 276.326.4201 or [email protected].

• ALL Bluefield University athletic events and practices are currently operating as scheduled.
• All Fine Arts Community School (FACS) is currently open for enrollment

University leadership has asked for students, faculty, and staff to limit travel to essential travel at this time. Essential travel is defined as school-related travel approved by supervisors and University leadership team members. This includes, but is not limited to: – Athletic competition – Approved performances by student groups – Conferences, meetings, and presentations – Traveling 50 miles away from campus for family emergencies – Other events as approved Non-essential travel is defined as non-school related travel. This includes, but is not limited to: – Off-campus social events not held by Bluefield University – Visitation to other college campuses outside of approved meetings and athletic competition – Travel 50 miles outside of the local area University leadership is doing all that is possible to encourage safe travel during trips away from campus to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Below are current guidelines for those who complete approved, essential travel. Faculty, staff, and students will not be required to isolate/quarantine immediately upon return, provided essential travel guidelines have been strictly followed. Due to the number of individuals traveling during this time period, the ongoing self-isolation of a large number of our campus community will have a massive impact on the current operations and staffing capacities of the University. However, self-isolation and testing continue to be encouraged as an extra precaution and best practice for the campus community. Essential travel guidelines are: – Masks are required to be worn at all times, outside of travel in a vehicle or while in a hotel room; – Meals are catered/delivered for large groups, such as athletic teams, when possible; if not, individuals are to take strict precautions when dining and do their best to eat outdoors and away from others; – Individual/groups are not permitted additional stops and activities outside the original purpose of the trip, and could result in immediate isolation/quarantine upon arrival of individual/groups if additional stops or activities outside the original purpose of the trip occur; – Should the individual/group come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person(s), immediate isolation/quarantine upon arrival to campus will be required.

If you feel you are sick please seek medical help immediately from your primary care physician, MedExpress, or go to the hospital. Please contact GluedRAs if you need assistance with transportation by calling 276.873.0075. This number goes directly to a full-time Residence Director who will assist you. If you have any financial concerns, please notify University leadership as well. We are here to assist you. Your primary care physician or hospital physician will test you if you are displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Here are CDC guidelines for identifying symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html