Coronavirus Update

August 19, 2022

COVID-19 Protocols for Fall 2022 Return to Campus

Welcome back for the fall 2022 semester. As we get underway, the more than two years of experience we have managing the pandemic will guide our efforts as we continue to implement best practices to protect the health and well-being of the campus community. Drawing on guidance from university and county health officials, we have been highly successful in limiting transmission of COVID-19 on campus since the initial stages of the pandemic. Advances in vaccines and treatments provide even more resources to help prevent the serious negative effects of the virus.

Everyone on campus has an important role to play to assure that Bowie State continues to maintain a low instance of positive cases. Each member of the campus community must take personal responsibility to monitor your own health and report any exposure to the disease.

Based on our current knowledge of the virus and its variants, in addition to guidance from public health officials, the following campus protocols are currently in place:

Vaccination

Residential students and athletes must be fully vaccinated. Vaccination and booster shots are strongly recommended for all other members of the campus community when eligible as the most effective measure in preventing serious COVID-19 cases, and  decreasing the risk of hospitalization. Learn more about vaccine options and eligibility on the CDC Website.

Masks

Masks are strongly encouraged on campus, especially for large indoor activities and for individuals whose health status places them at high risk. Your respect and support of community members who choose to wear masks is an important component of taking-responsibility to protect yourself and others.

Free masks are available to members of the campus community at the Student Center ticket window, police station in McKeldin Gym and Thurgood Marshal Library in room 270 and the IT Help desk.

Symptom Screening and Testing

Monitor your personal health daily for the following symptoms and get tested each time they occur. In-person Testing Locations are available on campus and local communities. Free self-test kits are available at the Student Center ticket window, Police Station in McKeldin Gym, and Thurgood Marshall Library in room 270 and the IT help desk.

To stay safe, follow these three steps:

  1. Check for Symptoms
    Do you have:
    • Cough
    • Runny nose
    • Fever
    • Headace
    • Body aches
    • Sore throat
    • Nausea
    • Diarrhea
    • Shortness of breath
  2. Get Tested and Mask
    If you or anyone you have come into close contact with have COVID-19 symptoms, you should:
    • Get tested
    • Wear a high-quality mask until you receive a negative test result
    • Isolate and re-test
  3. If you test positive:
    • Contact the Wellness Center at 301-860-4170
    • Stay home and isolate from others for at least 5 days
    • Inform professors or your supervisor
    • Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home
    • Do not travel
    • If you have trouble breathing or other serious symptoms, seek medical care immediately
    • Re-test after day 5 of isolation. If you test positive, re-start the isolation process.

We will continue to monitor public health conditions on our campus, in the Prince George’s County Area as well as nationally and adjust these protocols as needed.

Welcome back to a new academic year. Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation as we continue to work together to keep our community safe. Please continue to check your email for updates and regularly check the Coronavirus Information webpage for the latest information. If you have questions, please email covid19@bowiestate.edu