Resources and Updates
Coronavirus Information
Updated April 1, 2020: The health of our BVU community is our top priority. As we continue to closely monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we will update this resource page with new and relevant information.
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
University Resources
For more detailed information regarding next steps for current and prospective students, please visit our University Resources page.
Update: March 17, 2020
In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect our campus community and beyond, Buena Vista University has moved Storm Lake campus classes online for the remainder of the Spring Semester beginning Monday, March 30, 2020. The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.
Based on social distancing recommended by the CDC, BVU has canceled all University sponsored events and events hosted on campus through May 29, except for Commencement. Offices will remain open, and faculty and staff are asked to continue operations as usual.
Previous Updates
- March 13: American Rivers Conference Suspends Athletic Competition »
- March 12: BVU Takes Steps to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 »
- March 5: Coronavirus Update »
- Feb. 23: Coronavirus Update »
Travel Advisory
BVU has suspended all University-sponsored international and domestic travel for students, faculty, and staff. For future travel, we will continue to monitor and assess as necessary. Students, faculty, and staff independently traveling are encouraged to fill out the Travel Reporting Form. For anyone who has planned to return to campus, you must fill out our Health Screening Form and receive approval before setting foot on campus.
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 »
