This week's essential COVID-19 information from BGSU Chief Health Officer Ben Batey

Watch BGSU Chief Health Officer Ben Batey's Weekly Video Update

As we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses, I want to update the BGSU community on the trends we're seeing, outlined in the dashboard in this email and on our Forward Falcons website.

Over the course of the last week, we have seen 61 positive cases, with the majority of cases coming from students who are living off campus. Our average number of daily cases has remained consistent when compared to the previous reporting period.

As we move through the fall semester, we expect more people will start to congregate indoors as the weather changes. It is important we remain diligent about wearing face coverings and keeping social circles small.

We will continue to monitor numbers daily and share important updates. Thank you for all you are doing to keep our campuses safe and healthy.

Be well,

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health Officer

BGSU Counseling Center Resources

During the pandemic, the BGSU Counseling Center is offering their services for students via telehealth at 419-372-2081. The Counseling Center has put together COVID-19 counseling resources to keep you up to date on COVID-19 and various ways to cope/offer support during this time.

Surveillance Testing and Contact Tracing

BGSU has implemented randomized surveillance testing for undergraduate and graduate students on the main campus. The program focuses on testing students who do not have COVID-19 symptoms (asymptomatic). Students randomly selected each week will be notified via their University email and/or text message.

Isolation and Quarantine Protocols

Know what to do if you test positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 by learning more about BGSU's self-isolation and quarantine protocols.

BGSU COVID-19 Response Hotline

The BGSU COVID-19 Response Hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Staff can answer questions regarding COVID-19 and related topics. Students, faculty and staff can email health@bgsu.edu or call the hotline if they have a pending COVID-19 test, or to report a positive result to begin contact tracing. To call the hotline, reach out at 419-372-3000.

Download the #CampusClear app

Before arriving on campus, leaving your residence hall or visiting campus, complete a daily personal health and wellness check.

BGSU has launched the #CampusClear app, which can be downloaded for free and used for daily health screenings.

Download the #CampusClear app on the Apple App Store

Download the #CampusClear app on the Google Play store

Sign the Falcon Community Commitment

The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority. Please complete the Forward Falcon Community Commitment and help us slow the spread of COVID-19. As a public university for the public good, you are helping to protect your own health and the health of our Falcon family.

BGSU COVID-19 DASHBOARD

Positive Cases of COVID-19 Reported to BGSU

Includes positive COVID-19 cases reported to BGSU from health departments, medical providers, asymptomatic testing and self-report. Includes one (1) positive student reported at Firelands College. Not all cases are residing in Bowling Green or Wood County.

This Period:

61 Students

0 Faculty/Staff

9/9/20 - 9/15/20

(85% of cases for this period were off-campus students)

Cumulative:

161

161 Students

0 Faculty/Staff

8/20/20 - 9/15/20

On-Campus Isolation and Quarantine

Isolation separates individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 from others who are not sick to minimize the spread. Quarantine separates individuals who have been exposed to someone who is positive for COVID-19 from the general public. All residence hall students are offered on-campus quarantine and isolation space. Students may choose to return home to a permanent residence.

Students Currently Isolated in University Housing:

96% beds available

As of 9/15/20

Students Currently Quarantined in Residence Halls:

As of 9/15/20

Targeted Asymptomatic Testing
(testing of individuals without symptoms)

Testing of targeted asymptomatic individuals who have returned to campus. Randomized surveillance testing of undergraduate and graduate students began this week – results will be included in the dashboard next week.

Total Tests:

502

since March 2020

Total Positives:

8 Students

0 Employees

since March 2020

Overall Positivity Rate:

1.6%

since March 2020

BGSU A Public University for the Public Good