DIVISION OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS

This week, there has been a significant decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases in our campus community as compared to our last reporting period, outlined in our COVID-19 weekly dashboard. We appreciate everyone actively taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

While we have seen a decrease in cases, county and statewide rates continue to rise. At the same time, we are seeing more individuals diagnosed with fall colds and allergies after testing negative for COVID-19. This makes it even more important to stay home at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms and get tested as soon as possible. BGSU offers free at-home and in-person rapid tests for students, faculty and staff. If you test positive, please report your positive result to health@bgsu.edu or the COVID-19 hotline at 419-372-3000.

Due to the continuing community spread and health department guidance, BGSU is requiring face coverings for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, when indoors on campus. This applies to all alumni and guests returning to campus for Homecoming events.

A vaccine remains the best way to protect you and members of our community who are unable to get vaccinated at this time. Falcon Health now offers free COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and vaccines continue to be widely available at no cost.

Vaccination and Exemption Plans

In preparation for spring semester, BGSU is requiring students, faculty and staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or receive an approved exemption. We encourage all students and employees to learn more about our vaccination requirements, exemption process and noncompliance policies by visiting our Vaccination and Exemption Plans page.

There is no cost to submit your vaccination status. Upon completion, there is an optional step to pay $10 for Med+Proctor to store your status permanently for your own personal records.

#VaxBGSU Incentive Program

Another round of #VaxBGSU student winners were randomly selected this week. There's still time to win prizes over the next two weeks, including full tuition up to four years, Starbucks for a year and more. Submit your proof of vaccination before Sept. 27 to be eligible.

Free Testing on Campus

BGSU will continue to offer free COVID-19 rapid tests for students, faculty and staff. Both at-home tests and in-person appointments are available. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, we encourage you to take advantage of these free rapid-result tests. If you test positive for COVID-19, please report your positive result to health@bgsu.edu or the COVID-19 hotline at 419-372-3000.

We will continue to partner with our public health officials and communicate important updates as they develop. In addition, please visit our regularly updated COVID-19 website, including University protocols and FAQs. If you have questions, we encourage you to call the COVID-19 Response Hotline at 419-372-3000.

Thank you for all you are doing to keep our campuses safe and healthy.

Be well,

Ben Batey, MPH, RN
Chief Health and Wellness Officer