COVID Health & Safety

Students in front of arch

Vaccine Information

It is proven that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and they are widely available in our area. Vaccinated people experience a high degree of protection from the virus, and there is evidence that they are much less likely to transmit the virus to others. Our ability to maintain a near-normal spring semester is based on most members of our community being vaccinated and receiving their booster vaccine. We will continually monitor the latest guidance and will communicate with the campus community whenever our own policies are updated. If you have any questions, please email healthservices@bellarmine.edu. 

Bellarmine University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, in an effort to continue to provide our quality in-class learning and co-curricular experience, Bellarmine is now requiring the booster vaccine for anyone who is eligible to receive it, unless previously approved for an exemption.

Vaccinations on Campus: We hope to offer vaccination clinics throughout the spring semester. Check back for dates and registration information.

Vaccinations off Campus: A comprehensive list of vaccination sites can be found on the Kentucky Regional Vaccination Locations page, the Indiana.gov site and at Vaccines.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Booster Timeline

Immunization Policy

The university updated its immunization policy here.

  • Faculty and Staff - upload COVID-19 vaccine documentation here
  • Students – upload COVID-19 vaccine documentation here
  • Until you have received one dose of the J & J or two doses of the Moderna/Pfizer sequence of vaccinations, faculty, staff and students are subject to routine mandatory COVID-19 testing

 

COVID-19 Guidance

As we continue to monitor COVID-19 vaccination progress, locally and across the nation, we have updated our campus plans for the spring term. Please note that our policy continues to be based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and can change based on new information at any time.

COVID-19 Vaccine Policy

Bellarmine University requires all students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, in an effort to continue to provide our quality in-class learning and co-curricular experience, Bellarmine is now requiring the booster vaccine for anyone who is eligible to receive it, unless previously approved for an exemption. Most individuals who are at least five-months post vaccination are eligible. To determine whether you are eligible for a booster vaccine, please review this article: CDC Expands Eligibility for COVID-19 Booster Shots.

This requirement applies to all undergraduates and graduates, both full- and part-time students. Students, faculty and staff may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement, including the booster only, for medical or religious reasons. Being vaccinated helps protect you, your family and your community.

All students, faculty and staff are required to provide their vaccination status. Learn more about submitting your vaccination status, testing protocols and the required vaccination timeline below in the 'Vaccine Information' section.

Exemptions

Those who did not receive an exemption previously but wish to do so for the booster may do so here.

Faculty, staff and students with an existing exemption from the vaccine requirement must continue to participate in weekly on-campus surveillance testing while on campus for the Spring 2022 semester. Those who are vaccinated but are granted a booster exemption will be required to follow these same health and safety protocols.

All students, faculty and staff are required to provide their vaccination status. Learn more about submitting your vaccination status, testing protocols and the required vaccination timeline below in the 'Vaccine Information' section. 

Masks

As of March 7, 2022, face coverings are optional, rather than required, on campus. We will continue to monitor the county rates weekly and will re-instate mask mandates if it is recommended by CDC guidance. Though the COVID-19 virus is still with us, we recognize that vaccines, medication, and preventive measures are working to curb the spread and severity of illness.

Quarantine Protocol

Tested Positive for COVID-19 AND Symptomatic/Everyone Regardless of Vaccination or Booster Status 

  • Isolate for 10 days from the day symptoms began.
  • If symptoms fully resolve, isolation may be shortened and end after day 5 on the first day without symptoms.
  • Wear a well-fitting face mask for 10 full days from the start of symptoms. Isolation should not be shortened if a mask cannot be worn properly and consistently, or if symptoms persist. 
  • Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
  • Students:
    1. Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time.
    2. Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
    3. Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.

Tested Positive for COVID-19 without ever developing symptoms (asymptomatic)/Everyone Regardless of Vaccination or Booster Status 

  • Isolate for 5 days from the date the test sample was collected.
  • Starting on Day Six, wear a well-fitting mask around others for 5 days.
  • Isolation should be extended to 10 days if a mask cannot be worn properly and consistently, or if symptoms develop.
  • Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
  • Students:
    1. Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time. 
    2. Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
    3. Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.

Exposed to COVID-19/Unvaccinated or Not Boosted

  • Not boosted means more than five months out from the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer or more than two months out from the J&J vaccine.
  • Quarantine for 5 days. (Day Zero is the day of exposure.)
  • Take a COVID test on Day Five.
  • If the Day Five test is negative, follow strict use of wearing a well-fitting mask for an additional 5 days, starting on Day Six.
  • If the Day Five test is positive or symptoms develop at any point, quarantine immediately and contact your healthcare provider or the Office of Health Services for guidance and testing options
  • Employees: please contact your Human Resources Business Partner and your supervisor
  • Students:
    1. Email BU health services at healthservices@bellarmine.edu and they will walk you through what to do and will continue to check in with you during this time. 
    2. Email each of your faculty members to let them know you will not be in class so that arrangements can be made to get access to course material and make-up work.
    3. Student athletes should contact their athletic trainers.

Exposed to COVID-19/Vaccinated and Boosted

  • No need to quarantine after an exposure.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days. (Day Zero is the day of exposure.)
  • Test on Day Five of exposure. If the test is negative, continue to wear a mask for the additional 5 days.
  • If at any point symptoms develop, quarantine immediately and contact your healthcare provider or the Office of Health Services for guidance and testing options

Testing

If you are symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) and would like to be tested for COVID-19, please contact Health Services at 502.272.8313 to schedule test Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Looking for a local COVID-19 test aside from the on-campus clinic? Please visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/ky-get-COVID-tested

Need additional help finding a test? Call the Louisville Health COVID-19 Helpline at 502-912-8598. Someone is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Additional free, drive thru-testing resources:

How often should I get tested? You should get tested if you experience virus-like symptoms and/or 5 days after you have come into contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive. You can do this on or off campus.

 

Contact Tracing and Case Management

Students who report symptoms or exposure should contact the Office of Health Services immediately. Employees who report symptoms should contact their HR Business Partner and supervisor. Students and employees should stay at home or in their residence hall room and seek guidance from the Office of Health Services. 

Any student or employee who receives positive diagnosis should report it to the Office of Health Services. This will be identified as a “case” (a person who has or is presumed by a provider to have COVID-19). Individuals with a case will be instructed to isolate to prevent transmission of the virus. Employees should also notify their Human Resources Business Partner and supervisor. 

Any student or employee who is not up-to-date on their COVID vaccination and has been notified they are a contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should report it to the Office of Health Services. This will be identified as a “contact” (a well person who has been exposed to a case or a case’s environment such that they had an opportunity acquire the infection--less than 6 feet for 15 minutes or more). Unvaccinated contacts will be instructed to quarantine by separating themselves from others to prevent transmission and restrict activities outside of their home. 

  • Students who are in healthcare clinical settings, caring for COVID-19 patients, have different guidelines defining an exposure. Please reference the CDC guidelines for the complete definition. 
  • Employees should also notify their supervisor.

Information

Face Covering FAQs

As of March 7, 2022, face coverings are now optional, rather than required, on campus. We will continue to monitor the county rates weekly and will re-instate mask mandates if it is recommended by CDC guidance. Though the COVID-19 virus is still with us, we recognize that vaccines, medication, and preventive measures are working to curb the spread and severity of illness.

How to properly wear a face covering:

Putting on a face covering
Wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer before applying face covering. Touch the face covering as little as possible to avoid cross-contamination. Once it’s in place, do your best not to touch the outside of the covering or touch your face. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer after inadvertently touching your face covering. We recommend not placing it around your neck or up on your forehead. Your face covering should always cover both your nose and mouth.

Removing a face covering
To safely remove your face covering, first wash your hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching either the outside or the inside of the covering a much as possible. Remove by the ties or area that has not been near your mouth or nose. Do not shake the covering once you have taken it off.

Care, storage and laundering of a face covering
Keep face coverings in a paper bag or a sealable plastic bag. Replace your face coverings if they become soiled, damaged or visibly contaminated. It is recommended not to use a cloth face covering more than once a day without washing it. Wash your face covering in the sink or the washing machine with hot water and detergent. Make sure you wash your hands before touching your freshly laundered face covering.

Read more about face coverings by visiting the CDC website.

COVID-19 Information & Health Tips

For the latest on COVID-19, visit these websites:

What health precautions can I take?

  • We continue to encourage members of the university community to take precautions and exercise good health practices.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick. Do not attend class or work.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • World Health Organization: When and how to wear a mask

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. The university is engaging in enhanced cleaning of common areas.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

What if I feel sick?

If you feel sick, stay home and seek healthcare services as needed. Take care of yourself and stay home until at least 24 hours after any fever ends.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider and Student Health Services. Do not visit your provider until you have first contacted them, as they may need to make special arrangements for your visit. Bellarmine students can also take advantage of Norton eCare Visits over the Internet.

If you have questions about the virus, please contact Student Health Services by email or at 502.272.8313. 

Students who are experiencing anxiety about COVID-19 can contact the Counseling Center. Faculty or staff can engage the university’s employee assistance program; details are available on One Bellarmine.

Key campus contact information