BLUEFIELD, VA (WOAY) – Bluefield College leadership has been consistently monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) during the spring semester. The safety of our campus community is our top priority.
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and health departments at the regional and state levels have served as the guide for decision-making during this time. In addition, communication with other colleges, universities, and educational partners have provided ongoing dialogue about best practices.
With no outbreak in the region, at this time, Bluefield College will continue operating a normal class schedule. College leadership will continue to monitor situations, on a daily basis, with ongoing communication to students, employees, and constituency groups. The campus community continues to be encouraged to follow CDC and health department guidelines for hygiene.
As of Wednesday, March 11, 2020, two protocols have been immediately put into effect until a time designated by College leadership:
• Essential Travel Policy: In an effort to mitigate the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during official travel, Bluefield College authorizes only essential travel at this time. Athletic teams have been restricted to conference play. Other student related travel will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Travel to certain areas will be monitored by College leadership. Students are highly encouraged to share travel plans with Student Development officials when considering personal travel to areas outside the region, but are not restricted from personal travel. Official travel for faculty and staff will be subject to approval by the College Leadership Team member supervising the employee’s area. College leadership encourages employees to be conscious of sharing travel to areas outside the region.
• Visitor Screening Protocol: All out-of-area visitors to campus events will be required to complete a screening process prior to their arrival to campus. Beginning immediately, prospective students and families, campus speakers, and other campus guests, will be asked to answer several questions. These questions will seek to determine whether they have been in an area impacted by the virus, in contact with anyone with the virus, and/or are personally suffering from or around others with flu-like symptoms.
College officials aim to deter anyone that could be ill from being on campus until the individual(s) know they are well.
