Coronavirus Update

February 2, 2020

New Protocols for Positive Cases Established

With the continued evolution of the virus, available treatments and testing options, and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adjustments to university protocols have been established. Persons who test positive for the virus and those who have been in close contact with them should follow the procedures below:

Protocols for Positive Cases

  • Persons who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for five days.
  • Persons notified of a positive result should notify supervisor/instructor to confirm arrangements for absence
  • Telework or remote learning is recommended, if the person is able
  • Employees who are sick and unable to work should use sick leave
  • After completion of five-day isolation, employees must take an at-home rapid test to confirm negative for COVID-19 infection. Employees should follow the Wellness Center contact tracing team's instruction to secure the at-home test kit at the Wellness Center curbside before leaving campus to begin isolation. If the rapid test is positive, an additional five days of isolation is required.

Protocols for Close Contacts with a Positive Case

Close contact is defined as someone who was less than 6 feet away from an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period regardless of mask use.

  • Persons who are up-to-date with the vaccine (including booster if eligible) and are exposed to a positive individual do not need to quarantine if they have no symptoms.
  • Persons without a booster shot (if eligible) and are exposed to a positive individual must quarantine, even if they have no symptoms, and test after five days.

Campus Vaccine Clinic Scheduled Feb. 24

Bowie State University remains committed to providing easy access for every member of the campus community to become vaccinated and stay up to date with booster shots. An open vaccine clinic is scheduled for Feb. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the CNSMN Building Beacon Room. Hosted by the Maryland National Guard, the clinic will have Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines available to everyone for first or second doses or booster shots. No appointment is required.

As we move forward with learning how to best live with the ongoing pandemic, we encourage everyone to continue to observe all of the personal safety guidance to protect yourself and others. KN95 masks are recommended and available at distribution sites on campus. Masks should be worn inside all BSU buildings. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer regularly.

Please continue to monitor your email and the website for the latest updates. If you have questions, you may also email covid19@bowiestate.edu. Questions about academic issues should be sent to covid19academics@bowiestate.edu.  Questions about COVID tests / vaccine / badge should be sent to hwwc@bowiestate.edu