Coronavirus Update

Bloomsburg University COVID-19 Dashboard and Weekly Updates

Health Checker - Students and Employees

Dashboard Info

Due to the global pandemic, it should be assumed the potential for COVID-19 exposure is everywhere. While there is public interest in knowing about positive cases, Bloomsburg University is obligated to protect the privacy of anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 cases included in this dashboard include positive, laboratory-verified test results reported to the Bloomsburg University Student Health Center or Office of Workplace Safety. Due to multiple testing sources with varying resulting timeframes, numbers are updated only when verified test results are received. The dashboard is updated on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This is the most current information available to us.

Spring 2021-22 Reporting Date	Students*	Employees*
Jan. 24	12	2
Cumulative Total Since Jan. 24, 2022	12	2

* Students (as of Jan. 24, 2022)
2 — positives isolating on-campus
1 — positives isolating off-campus
9— positives who have gone home
0 — Number out of isolation (students who have completed their required isolation)

* Employees (as of Jan. 24, 2022)
2 — positives isolating off-campus
0 — Number out of isolation (employees who have completed their required isolation)

COVID-19 Weekly Update – Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022

Please refer to the COVID-19 dashboard at the top of our COVID-19 webpage for updated case numbers and helpful information. The numbers are updated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and are based on laboratory-verified test results reported to the Bloomsburg University Student Health Center or Office of Workplace Safety.

Mask Reminder

A reminder to all students that masks MUST be worn in the University’s public spaces. Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for STUDENTS/PARENTS

ALL STUDENTS:

We urge ALL students, living both on- and off-campus, to get tested at home for COVID19 before returning to campus. If COVID19 positive, please stay home and isolate.
If you are sick or were exposed to covid and have already arrived at campus, please call the student health center as detailed below.

Spring 2022 COVID guidelines for students residing on campus

Regardless of vaccination status, all on-campus residential students will be asked to COVID test upon return to the campus prior to move-in.
Free COVID19 testing will be performed at Monty’s, located on the upper campus.
Dates of testing: Wednesday, Jan.19, through Sunday, Jan. 23
Vaccination Cards: If you would like your on-campus medical chart updated with your vaccination information, you may bring either a hard copy or photo of your most recent updated COVID Vaccine Card to the testing site during move-in or to the Student Health Center.
You have previously received communication from the Office of Residence Life with a specific move-in and testing date and time. If you need to adjust your scheduled time, contact the Office of Residence Life at sthouse@bloomu.edu or 570-389-4970.
For residential students desiring to test at home, we will accept select home COVID testing that provides an official test result email (i.e., BinaxNOW COVID19 Ag Card home test (with telehealth), Vault health, etc.) You will need to bring the official test result documentation with you. A verified test must be performed no more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled move-in. We will NOT accept personal photos of home COVID19 test results.
If you have had a COVID infection within the past 3 months (90 days), please bring official test documentation to move-in testing to be exempt from move-in testing.
Get a free FLU vaccine at Monty’s while waiting for your COVID test results.
If your COVID test is negative, you will be permitted to move into your on-campus residence.

If You Want to Move-in a Week Later

On-campus residential students who prefer to stay at home between Jan. 19 through Jan. 23, and desire to move in the week of Jan. 24 through 28, should:

Contact the Health Center at 570-389-4451 to schedule a COVID19 test. You cannot move in until tested. Testing times are by appt only, so please call the SHC ASAP to schedule. No testing will be offered on Saturday, Jan. 29, or Sunday, Jan. 30.
Contact the Office of Residence Life at sthouse@bloomu.edu or 570-389-4970 to arrange your housing check-in time. If your COVID19 test is negative, then move-in will be permitted.

Next steps if you test COVID Positive at Move-in

Students who test COVID19 positive at move-in testing will be offered a PCR test and asked to return home to isolate.
PCR test result wait time is administered by an outside lab and thus return time varies.
The Health Center will contact all COVID positive students with further self-care and isolation instruction via phone call or secure message. The date of your return to campus will be determined using CDC guidelines in coordination with the BU Health Center Medical Director.

Are you feeling sick?

Any student experiencing symptoms of COVID19 should stay home and seek care and advice through their local health care provider. If you are sick, please isolate and do not return to campus until you speak with the health center staff.
Although more protected from serious illness, if at any time vaccinated individuals experience COVID19 symptoms, they should still seek testing and contact their local health care provider. Based on the new CDC guidelines, if you have COVID19 then isolation requirements will apply.

Keep Huskies Healthy

The BU campus community should be aware of the new CDC guidelines. www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
It is important to continue practicing good hand hygiene, wearing a well-fitting mask and, most importantly, to get vaccinated, including getting a booster shot.
With the rise of the omicron variant, BU is strongly encouraging all students to get COVID19 booster shots as soon as possible, which, studies show, protect against severe illness and hospitalization from the omicron variant.
Free COVID19 vaccination clinics will be offered monthly for all those who would like to start or finish their primary vaccination or for those who are eligible for a booster. The first free vaccine clinic will be held on Monday, Jan. 31. See below for complete information.

The CDC definitions of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated have changed.

Fully vaccinated = have received a booster or are within 5 months of their primary vaccination series of Pfizer and Moderna and within 2 months of J & J.
Unvaccinated = no vaccine or those who are eligible but have not received their booster.
If you are newly vaccinated or have received your booster, please upload your vaccine card in your Student Web Portal. Access the portal on the Health Center Webpage. www.bloomu.edu/health. Specific instructions are located on the webpage or call the health center for assistance 570-389-4451.

COVID Vaccine Clinics

A COVID vaccine clinic will be held for all BU students/faculty/staff. The clinics will be held in Kehr Union, Multipurpose A.

Walks-in ONLY. No appointment needed. A valid photo ID (driver’s license for staff) and insurance card is required. If vaccinated (or partially vaccinated) please bring your vaccine card.

Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be offered. You can start a series or get boosted. At this time a booster for Pfizer and Moderna can be given five months after the second dose. For J&J the booster can be given two months after the initial vaccine.

Day/Date/Time of Vaccine Clinic
Monday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Properly Wash Hands

Be sure to wash your hands properly using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

Husky Health Checker

All members of the BU community (faculty/staff/students) are encouraged to monitor their health each day by utilizing the Husky Health Checker survey. Upon completion of the survey, retain the badge on your mobile device by leaving your browser tab open or taking a screenshot, or on your computer by printing it or taking a picture of your screen using your mobile device.

COVID Updates by Week (Wednesdays)

Mask Reminder

A reminder to all students that masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) MUST be worn in the University’s public spaces, including the Andruss Library’s Study Rooms when there are two or more persons in the room. Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.

Get Your Free Flu Shot

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing

Now through Dec. 10, free rapid COVID testing for any BU student will be offered daily from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the basement level of the Kehr Union. To be tested, enter Kehr Union from the patio side through doors marked with Green Turtle signs. Immediately turn left upon entry to foyer and follow Green Turtle signs to stairwell leading downstairs. If needed, please stop at the Welcome Desk near the Husky Lounge for assistance.

Please bring your BU student ID. No appointment is necessary.

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

All members of the BU community (faculty/staff/students) are encouraged to monitor their health each day by utilizing the Husky Health Checker survey. Upon completion of the survey, retain the badge on your mobile device by leaving your browser tab open or taking a screenshot, or on your computer by printing it or taking a picture of your screen using your mobile device.

Mask Reminder

Free Flu Shots Available

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing

For the week of Dec. 6 to 10 only, free rapid COVID testing for any BU student will be offered daily from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the basement level of the Kehr Union. To be tested, enter Kehr Union from the patio side through doors marked with Green Turtle signs. Immediately turn left upon entry to foyer and follow Green Turtle signs to stairwell leading downstairs. If needed, please stop at the Welcome Desk near the Husky Lounge for assistance.

Please bring your BU student ID. No appointment is necessary.

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

Free COVID Vaccine

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Bloomsburg will be at the Kehr Union Building for a free COVID vaccine clinic on Monday, Nov. 29. You can be half vaccinated in time for the holidays and winter break or get your booster shot.

Clinic Details:
2 dose vaccine: Pfizer
Boosters: Pfizer and Moderna

Monday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., KUB, Multipurpose A

Walk–in. No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Free Flu Shots Available

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing

We are now offering Free Rapid Covid testing for any BU student every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fenstemaker Alumni House (near the Rec Center).

Please bring your BU student ID. No appointment is necessary.

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

Free COVID Vaccine

Clinic Details:
2 dose vaccine: Pfizer
Boosters: Pfizer and Moderna

Monday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., KUB, Multipurpose A

Walk–in. No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Free Flu Vaccine

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

Free COVID Vaccine

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Bloomsburg will be at the Kehr Union Building for a free COVID vaccine clinic on Monday, Nov. 29. You can be half vaccinated in time for the holidays and winter break!

Clinic Details:

Vaccine: Pfizer

Monday, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., KUB, Multipurpose A

Walk–in. No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Free Flu Vaccine

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing

We are now offering Free Rapid Covid testing for any BU student every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fenstemaker Alumni House (near the Rec Center).

Please bring your BU student ID. No appointment is necessary.

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

A reminder to all students that masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) MUST be worn in the University’s public spaces, including the Andruss Library’s Study Rooms when there are two or more persons in the room. Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.

Free Flu Vaccine

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

We are now offering Free Rapid Covid testing for any BU student every Tuesday and Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fenstemaker Alumni House (near the Rec Center). Please bring your BU student ID. No appointment is necessary.

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly, but also unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

Free COVID Vaccine Clinic Monday, Nov. 1

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Bloomsburg will be at the Kehr Union Building for a free COVID vaccine clinic on Monday, Nov. 1. Be vaccinated in time for the holidays and winter break!

CLINIC DETAILS:

Walk –in; No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Vaccine: Pfizer
First dose Monday, Nov. 1
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Second dose Monday, Nov. 29
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Free Flu Vaccine

Friday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose Room B (by the Welcome Desk)

Appointments Necessary
Call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451
(Walk-ins are accepted but may require a longer wait)

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Mask Reminder

Free COVID Vaccine Clinic Monday, Nov. 1

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Bloomsburg will be at the Kehr Union Building for a free COVID vaccine clinic on Monday, Nov. 1. Be vaccinated in time for the holidays!

CLINIC DETAILS:

Walk –in; No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Vaccine: Pfizer
First dose Monday, Nov. 1
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Second dose Monday, Nov. 29
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Free Flu Vaccine

With the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get your flu vaccine this year! To help you protect yourself and the BU community, the Student Health Center will be giving FREE flu vaccines.

Appointments Necessary
Call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451
(Walk-ins are accepted but may require a longer wait)
When: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021
Where: Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose Room B (by the Welcome Desk)
Follow the Flu Flamingo signs!

PLEASE REMEMBER:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

COVID Vaccine Scholarship Drawing held Oct. 6

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

The COVID vaccine scholarship drawing was held on Wednesday, Oct. 6. A total of 3,735 students submitted proof of vaccination cards for entry into the drawing with a total of 40 winners selected. Due to privacy laws, names of the winners cannot be publicly announced, but all students who were selected have been notified.

The scholarships consisted of two $5,000 awards (one for a new and one for a returning student) and 10 awards of $2,500 (five to new students and five to returning students.) In addition, 28 winners received $25 in Husky Gold.

Those selected as the winners of the scholarships, offered some comments.

“Happy I won the 5,000 scholarship! I trust in the science that created the vaccine”

“Winning this scholarship provides a great sense of relief going in to my second year at BU. Getting the vaccine helps us to get back to normalcy”

“I got the vaccine because my mother is a nurse and heard from her that getting the vaccine is so important. By having the vaccine, I can keep my grandparents and myself safe”

“Thanks for the scholarship! This helps me financially.”

“I am happy I won but I am happier I am safe by getting the vaccine.”

“ This is my first scholarship and I am so excited! I am a nursing major and during my externship I saw the effects of COVID on the patients. I felt it was important to get vaccinated to protect myself and others”

“I feel grateful for this scholarship, it’s awesome! Getting the vaccine was my duty to help others and stop the spread.”

“This is so awesome, thank you!”

“I got the vaccine because it was the right thing to do and to make others feel safe.”

“I am so grateful and excited. I got the vaccine because I wanted to keep myself and everyone else safe.”

“Getting the vaccine has given me less to worry about in my already stressful life. It also allows me not to get tested every month. I feel a lot safer having the vaccine.”
Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms
Free Flu Vaccines Oct. 21

With the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get your flu vaccine this year! To help you protect yourself and the BU community, the Student Health Center will be giving FREE flu vaccines.

Appointments Necessary
Call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451
(Walk-ins are accepted but may require a longer wait)
When: Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021
Where: Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose Room B (by the Welcome Desk)
Follow the Flu Flamingo signs!

PLEASE REMEMBER on Oct. 21 to:

    Wear a mask
    Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
    Bring your BU ID card

Indoor Mask Mandate

Reminder: BU an indoor masking mandate for campus requiring all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) indoors. In light of the upcoming Homecoming, please remind visitors to bring their masks.

Mask wearing is not required in outdoor spaces on campus.

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.
Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.
Husky Health Checker

All members of the BU community (faculty/staff/students) are encouraged to monitor their health each day by utilizing the Husky Health Checker survey. Upon completion of the survey, retain the badge on your mobile device by leaving your browser tab open or taking a screenshot, or on your computer by printing it or taking a picture of your screen using your mobile device.

FREE COVID Vaccine Clinic Monday, Oct. 11

The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Bloomsburg will be at the Kehr Union Building for a free COVID vaccine clinic on Monday, Oct. 11. Be vaccinated in time for Thanksgiving break!

CLINIC DETAILS:

Walk –in; No appointment needed
Students only
Bring insurance card
Bring photo ID
15-minute wait required after vaccine

Vaccine: Pfizer (2 dose)
First dose:
Monday: Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Second dose:
Monday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
KUB, Multipurpose A

Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Free Flu Vaccines

With the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get your flu vaccine this year! To help you protect yourself and the BU community, the Student Health Center will be giving FREE flu vaccines.

Appointments Necessary
Call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451
(Walk-ins are accepted but may require a longer wait)
When: Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021
Where: Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose Room B (by the Welcome Desk)
Follow the Flu Flamingo signs!

PLEASE REMEMBER on Oct. 7 to:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Indoor Mask Mandate

Reminder: BU an indoor masking mandate for campus requiring all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) indoors. In light of the upcoming Parent and Family Weekend and Homecoming, please remind visitors to bring their masks.

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

Walk-in COVID Testing to be Offered

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Free Flu Vaccines

With the current Covid-19 pandemic, it is especially important to get your flu vaccine this year! To help you protect yourself and the BU community, the Student Health Center will be giving FREE flu vaccines.

Appointments Necessary
Call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451
(Walk-ins are accepted but may require a longer wait)
When: Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021
Where: Kehr Union Building, Multipurpose Room B (by the Welcome Desk)
Follow the Flu Flamingo signs!

PLEASE REMEMBER on Oct. 7 to:

Wear a mask
Wear short sleeves (for your convenience)
Bring your BU ID card

Indoor Mask Mandate

BU has reinstituted its indoor masking mandate for campus. The updated campus policy requires all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) indoors.

This requirement applies to:

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Mask wearing is not required in outdoor spaces throughout campus. Students living in residence halls will not be required to wear a mask in their living spaces. All community members who are eating in designated food service areas indoors will not be required to wear a mask. Lastly, vaccinated employees with individual offices will not be required to wear a mask in their office.

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

COVID Vaccine Scholarship Drawing Deadline Approaching

Do you want to be considered for the vaccine scholarship drawing?

If you answered yes, THESE ARE THE LAST FEW DAYS to get registered! The deadline is now Friday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m.!

(There’s NO need to resubmit if you have previously sent proof of vaccination.)

If you have not done so already, please submit your COVID-19 vaccine card via email to COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Students who present their COVID-19 vaccine documentation will be entered in a random drawing for:

Two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to two students (one to a new student, the other to a returning student); and
Ten scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to ten students (five to new students, the other five to returning students).

But wait…there’s more!

Healthy Husky will be giving away $25 Husky Gold Prizes to 28 students who are fully vaccinated – so get those cards turned in! Sponsored by Healthy Husky, BU’s Health and Wellness initiative and funded through a grant from the Campus COVID-19 Vaccine (CoVAC) initiative, a project of the American College Health Association in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Indoor Mask Mandate

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

Husky Health Checker

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Indoor Mask Mandate

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

COVID Vaccine Scholarship Drawing Deadline Approaching

If you have NOT already submitted proof of your COVID vaccine, please send to COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.

Students who present their COVID-19 vaccine documentation by Friday, Sept. 24, will be entered in a random drawing for:

Two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to two students (one to a new student, the other to a returning student); and
Ten scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to ten students (five to new students, the other five to returning students).

Additionally, Healthy Husky will be giving away $25 Husky Gold prizes to 28 students. Sponsored by Healthy Husky, BU’s Health and Wellness initiative and funded through a grant from the Campus COVID-19 Vaccine (CoVAC) initiative, a project of the American College Health Association in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Husky Health Checker

COVID Concerns

Do you have COVID concerns or questions?

What to do if you have been exposed or have COVID symptoms

Indoor Mask Mandate

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Mask wearing is not required in outdoor spaces throughout campus, but some may choose to mask up on their own. Students living in residence halls will not be required to wear a mask in their living spaces. All community members who are eating in designated food service areas indoors will not be required to wear a mask. Lastly, vaccinated employees with individual offices will not be required to wear a mask in their office.

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

COVID Vaccine Scholarship Drawing Deadline Approaching

If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine, please call the Student Health Center at 570-389-4451.

Students who present their COVID-19 vaccine documentation by Friday, Sept. 24, will be entered in a random drawing for:

Two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to two students (one to a new student, the other to a returning student); and
Ten scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to ten students (five to new students, the other five to returning students).

Husky Health Checker

Updated Mask Mandate Information

The updated campus policy requires all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) indoors. This requirement applies to:

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu

Dispose of Masks Properly

Keep the campus clean and your fellow Huskies safe by properly disposing of your masks when you are finished with them. Leaving them on the ground is unsightly and unhealthy.

COVID Vaccine

If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine, please email a copy of your vaccine card to the Student Health Center email address sthlhctr@bloomu.edu or call them at 570-389-4451.

Students who present their COVID-19 vaccine documentation by Friday, Sept. 24, will be entered in a random drawing for:

Two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to two students (one to a new student, the other to a returning student); and
Ten scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to ten students (five to new students, the other five to returning students).

Husky Health Checker

Updated Mask Mandate Information

In response to the rise of positive COVID cases in our region and the state (according to the PA Department of Health), BU reinstituted its indoor masking mandate for campus. We’re doing so to limit the transmission of the virus within our community and preserve our ability to offer an in-person teaching and learning experience throughout the fall semester.

The updated campus policy requires all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks (face shields are acceptable as long as they cover the mouth and nose) indoors. This requirement applies to:

•    In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
•   In-person indoor events;
•   Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
•   Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
•   Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Lecturing faculty who are seeking a face shield should email: stsafety@bloomu.edu

Mask wearing is not required in outdoor spaces throughout campus, but some may choose to mask up on their own. Students living in residence halls will not be required to wear a mask in their living spaces. All community members who are eating in designated food service areas indoors will not be required to wear a mask. Lastly, vaccinated employees with individual offices will not be required to wear a mask in their office.

Again, BU is mandating this indoor masking policy in the best interest of every campus community member’s health, and so that we may conclude the semester as we begin it: in-person. The health and safety of our entire campus community remains our highest priority.

Anyone with a COVID related question should email: COVIDsafety@bloomu.edu.

COVID Vaccine

Students can sign up for the free vaccination offered at the Fenstemaker Alumni House through Sunday, Aug. 22. Please follow the registration link on the Student Health Center web page.

If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine, please email a copy of your vaccine card to the Student Health Center email address sthlhctr@bloomu.edu or call them at 570-389-4451.

In addition to reducing your risk of severe disease if you contract COVID-19, being vaccinated will give you these additional benefits (in accordance with state and national guidelines):
1.      You will not need to quarantine for 14 days if you are exposed but are not sick/symptomatic.
2.      You will not need to participate in the on-campus student return to campus and ongoing surveillance testing programs.

Students who present their COVID-19 vaccine documentation by Friday, Sept. 24, will be entered in a random drawing for:
•   Two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 to two students (one to a new student, the other to a returning student); and
•   Ten scholarships in the amount of $2,500 to ten students (five to new students, the other five to returning students).

Husky Health Checker

News Shared with Campus Community

Dear Members of the BU Campus Community,

In response to the rise of positive COVID cases in our region and the state, Bloomsburg University is instituting an updated indoor masking mandate for campus, effective Saturday, August 14. We are instituting this requirement to limit the transmission of the virus within our community and preserve our ability to offer an in-person teaching and learning experience throughout the fall semester.

The updated campus policy requires all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks indoors. This requirement applies to:

Again, BU is mandating this indoor masking policy in the best interest of every campus community member’s health, and so that we may conclude the semester as we begin it: in-person. The health and safety of our entire campus community remains our highest priority.

We will continue to monitor circumstances on our campus and within our community/county, and will advise you of any updates as these circumstances change. We will continue to update our COVID Dashboard webpage three times weekly and will include on this page any new campus-wide messages communicated by email.

As we work together to keep one another safe, we thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have questions, please contact our Human Resources Office via HR Connect (Employees) or our Dean of Students Office (Students).

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As we near the start of the fall semester, our focus is on returning to a fully operational campus with face-to-face instruction. Considering the spread rate of the Delta variant, we are providing the following guidance for the campus community.

• We strongly encourage all members of the campus community to vaccinate. The vaccine remains the most reliable method to keep our campus safe and maintain face-to-face instruction.

• Monitor the rate of COVID-19 on campus. We will pivot to remote instruction if 5% of our campus community has COVID at one time, which amounts to roughly 400 active cases. We would remain remote for a minimum of two weeks and continue remote until the live cases fell below 400. This is to halt the spread of the virus and to protect our community. Again, vaccinations will prevent the need to pivot due to an outbreak of COVID. You can track cases on campus here: https://www.bloomu.edu/coronavirus.

• Maintain COVID cleaning mitigation, including providing sanitation stations, fogging classrooms, and regular cleaning of high-touch areas throughout campus.

• Provide masks to the campus community. A free mask will be available to all members of the campus community who want one. Face shields are also available for faculty and those needing alternatives to a face mask.

• Masks will be ~~strongly recommended~~ required as of Aug. 14 in classrooms and all indoor areas as we are returning to pre-COVID capacity, and in all high occupancy or close quarters that prevent social distancing. This is due to the likely mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and aligns with CDC guidance.

• The use of the student health center and campus transportation will require masks, without exception.

• Students in clinical settings must follow the guidance of their setting. Academic departments and program faculty will communicate those expectations to students.

• Baseline testing will be conducted for all students moving into the residence halls. Continued surveillance testing will occur as well for residential students. Vaccinated residential students will not be required to test upon proof of full vaccination. Guidance for submitting documentation has been provided to students in a separate communication.

• And, as a reminder, if you are feeling any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Students may get tested at the Fenstemaker Alumni House on campus. Faculty and staff should consult their local medical professional.

The campus community should be aware that recommendations may change based on future state or federal guidance. Together we can work toward keeping our campus safe, maintaining face-to-face instruction, and having an enjoyable fall semester.
Onward!

Frequently Asked Question Responses

In response to the rise of positive COVID cases in our region and the state, Bloomsburg University is instituting an updated indoor masking mandate for campus, effective Saturday, August 14. There is no change to course delivery or access to services on campus. This indoor mask mandate is in effect to help curb the spread of the COVID virus so that we can remain in person for the duration of the fall semester.
The updated campus policy requires all vaccinated and unvaccinated students, employees, and visitors to wear masks indoors. This requirement applies to:

In-person instruction (all indoor classrooms and/or instructional spaces);
In-person indoor events;
Any community member traveling between classes within common areas of a University building;
Any community member in common areas within University-owned on-campus housing; and
Any community member using the campus shuttles.

Mask wearing is not required in outdoor spaces throughout campus, but some may choose to mask up on their own. Vaccinated employees with individual offices will not be required to wear a mask in their office.

Again, BU is mandating this indoor masking policy in the best interest of every campus community member’s health and so that we may conclude the semester as we begin it: in-person. The health and safety of our entire campus community remains our highest priority.

On-campus Housing – Students in residence halls must follow masking guidance for public spaces, including hallways, lobbies, and study areas. No more than two guests per resident are permitted in individually assigned living spaces at this time.

Campus Dining Facilities – All personnel must wear masks when entering, circulating through, and exiting facilities. Spacing of tables and number of chairs at each must remain as set to ensure appropriate social distancing. Use of provided hand-to-common touch area barriers is encouraged.

Unvaccinated residential students will participate in surveillance testing. Resident students will be pre-tested previous to entry to the residence hall. Testing for any symptomatic students (regardless of housing location) will be provided through the Student Health Center. Off-campus students may choose to participate in surveillance testing, but their participation is not mandated.

BU has again contracted with EMS to administer testing to 400 students each week; 200 students will be tested each Tuesday and Wednesday. The Health Center staff will exclude students from testing if the student has provided proof of full vaccination or a prior COVID diagnosis.

As a service to the student community, BU will also contract with EMS to administer the Moderna, 2-dose vaccination. The second dose will be administered 4-weeks after the first vaccination. Full vaccination is considered complete two weeks after the second vaccination is administered. Based on this timeline, these students who become newly vaccinated after their arrival on campus will remain included in the surveillance testing program for at least six (6) weeks after the date of the first vaccination. Therefore, these students will be considered fully vaccinated by the week of October 4, 2021.

We will continue our symptomatic and close contact protocols that were enforced during the spring 2021 semester. Upon a positive test, a student will enter into a 10-14 day isolation period, depending on individual factors. Students who have had close contact will be placed into quarantine housing, where they will remain. Meals will be delivered, and regular check-ins by staff will occur. If a student is off-campus, regular check-ins will occur for those students. Students who test positive will also be required to enter the appropriate isolation period. Students will be asked to return home when the beds reserved for isolation or quarantine housing are filled. Students and their supporters should again plan for their return home should a positive case be identified. University faculty will work with students for any class time missed due to quarantine and/or isolation occurrence.

Athletics has been encouraging and tracking vaccinations per current NCAA guidance. Any unvaccinated student-athlete will need to be tested at the rate of 25-50% of the total team roster every one to two weeks, as the protocol from the NCAA outlines. This testing will also be conducted in partnership with the Student Health Center, third-party provider EMS, and the Athletic training staff.

All plexiglass barriers in classrooms and office areas remain in place. Established high-touch cleaning and classroom fogging procedures will continue. Hand sanitizer stations are distributed throughout campus at multiple locations within each building.

Procedures for Positive Cases of COVID-19

Steps to take if testing positive for COVID-19

Procedures for Positive Cases of COVID-19

Bloomsburg University’s Student Health Center or Office of Workplace Safety will generally become aware of a positive case in one of four ways:

Notification from the Columbia County Department of Health
Notification from the PA Department of Health if the person is tested in another county within Pennsylvania
Notification from the test site or vendor if the test was ordered through the Student Health Center
Notification from the individual self-reporting

What happens to the individual who tests positive?

The individual will be required to isolate in accordance with County and PA Department of Health and CDC guidelines.

Students On-Campus

Students residing on-campus at Bloomsburg University who test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to make the best choice for their personal health care to either go to their home of record for the duration of their quarantine or recovery or stay on campus. A limited number of isolated rooms are available on campus for the duration of a specified quarantine period. Residence Life conducts in-person checks twice daily, meals are delivered, and the Student Health Center and/or campus health personnel conduct a daily check-in to support the student’s health and welfare.

Students Off-Campus

If the student is living off-campus, they're encouraged to go to their home of record for the duration of their quarantine or recovery, or the student will isolate at their place of residence, in accordance with County and PA Department of Health and CDC guidelines. Dining Services will accept someone coming to the Scranton Commons or Monty's to pick up food for an off-campus quarantined student. The meal ID of the quarantined student must be presented so a member of the Scranton Commons staff can swipe it. Students can see the full menu on the dining services Instagram stories.

If students do not have a meal plan, they should also arrange for sustainment support such as food delivery, or they may choose to go to their home of record. Student Health Center and campus health personnel conduct a daily check-in to support the student’s health and welfare.

Employees

If the individual is a faculty or staff member, they will isolate at home or another location following their local or state health department and CDC guidelines.

What should I do if I think I was exposed to COVID?

Review the CDC guidance for people exposed to individuals with known or suspected COVID-19 or possible COVID-19. In addition, there is a CDC glossary of terms with definitions for: close contact, exposure, isolation, and quarantine.

Communication Protocol

In the interest of transparency, we are guided by the following:

The COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with numbers of confirmed positive cases.
To protect the confidentiality and privacy of affected individuals, Bloomsburg University will not disclose any personally identifiable information.
The University will not send an email message to the campus community or notify the media every time there is a positive case confirmed.

Archived COVID-19 Data

COVID-19 data from 2020-21 academic year

Winter 2021-22 Reporting Date	Students*	Employees*
Jan. 21	17	3
Jan. 19	5	2
Jan. 17	3	6
Jan. 14	5	2
Jan. 12	4	4
Jan. 10	7	3
Jan. 7	5	4
Jan. 5	6	3
Jan. 3	5	3
Dec. 23	1	0
Dec. 20	1	2
Dec. 17	0	2
Dec. 15	0	1
Dec. 13	1	1
Cumulative WINTER Total Since December 13, 2021	60	36

Fall 2021	Students*	Employees*
December	22	7
November	45	6
October	36	13
September	165	7
Aug. 11-31	28	0
Cumulative August - December, 2021	296	33

Summer 2021	Students*	Employees*
Aug. 1-10	1	0
July	0	0
June	1	2
Cumulative June 2-Aug. 10, 2021	2	2

Spring 2021	Students*	Employees*
May	28	2
April	73	9
March	48	3
February	25	3
January	2	13
Cumulative Jan. 5 - May 31, 2021	176	30

Fall 2020	Students*	Employees*
December	0	1
November	16	1
October	8	2
September	188	1
August	167	1
Cumulative Aug. 14 - Dec. 31, 2020	379	6