COVID-19 FAQs

What is the Coronavirus and how is it transmitted? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory illnesses. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that had not been identified previously in humans. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing and sneezing on somebody within 6 feet range (close contact), by touching an infected person’s hands or face, or by touching an object or surface that an infected person has touched. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. 

What are the signs that you are sick? Some symptoms of COVID-19 infection are similar to Influenza such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory illness, kidney failure, and death. However, it is important to note that healthy young people are significantly less likely to become seriously ill compared to older adults.

How can I best protect myself and friends from infection? Standard measures to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus include: frequent hand washing, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. In addition to hand washing, disinfecting hands using hand sanitizer gel containing at least 60% alcohol and using Clorox or equivalent bleach wipes to wipe down surfaces and seat handles is effective.  Protect your immune system with proper rest, exercise, and nutrition habits.

Is there a vaccine or treatment available? Not currently. There is a vaccine in early development and an antiviral treatment is being tested in China and the United States.

Before returning to campus, if I experience flu like symptoms, what should I do before returning to campus to make sure I don’t have Coronavirus? If you are in your home community contact your primary care physician’s office and ask to be screened for COVID-19. You may also contact the Green River District Health Department at 270-686-7744 or 1-800-722-5725.  Stay at home until you have been properly diagnosed and advised of any restrictions or precautions. 

Once back on campus from break, if I think I might have the Coronavirus, should I go to or to a primary care provider’s office or hospital? While other states may provide different guidance, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family services is requesting patients that suspect they may be infected by COVID-19 to not enter health care settings and risk infecting others. Instead, stay in your residence, notify Student Affairs at 270-686-4332,  and call the Green River District Health Department at 270-686-7744 or 1-800-722-5725, or your primary care provider for screening and if deemed appropriate by a medical professional – a referral location and procedure for testing will be provided.  Note – other states may have different procedures and the above guidance is subject to change.

What if a student becomes ill with COVID 19 and needs to be quarantined?  Brescia University will consult with and follow guidance from the Green River District Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control in determining whether a student should go home or be quarantined on campus.  Home country or state, as well as the condition of infected individuals will be considered in decision-making. Students that have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID 19 may also need to be quarantined either at home or on campus, and monitored for symptoms.  

What will happen with my classes if I need to be quarantined? As always, the health of our students and other community members is paramount.  Should a student need to be quarantined or becomes ill with COVID 19, they will contacted by the Academic Dean’s Office in order to transition coursework. 

FAQs SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO STUDENTS LIVING ON CAMPUS

Do I have to leave campus?

At this time, no.  It is your choice if you leave campus during the transition to online instruction.

Will the Dining Hall be open?

Yes. O’Bryan’s Dining Hall will be open as long as students are on-campus.  Be aware that pending the number of students staying on-campus, and the local situation with coronavirus spread, there will be alternate hours and service.  Please keep checking your email for updates on hours of service. 

If I leave campus, will my ID card be deactivated like during Christmas Break?

Yes.  This allows us to know who is in the residence halls in case we have infection of covid-19.  We need to be able to support the Health Department with screening who could possibly be quarantined or sent for testing, thus, we need to know who is staying on-campus.

If I stay on campus, will I be charge a daily fee like during breaks?

No. Residence halls are open as normal and we are not charging additional fees during this time.

If I leave campus, do I have to move everything out of my room?

No. We are planning to resume on-ground classes on April 14th, so you will still have access to your room once you return to campus.

If I leave campus, should I unplug my refrigerator and electronics before leaving?

Yes. Just like any extended break period, you should unplug all items in your room, close windows and blinds, empty trash, and lock all doors.

Can I come back and get items from my room I forgot?

Yes, but you will need to contact Isaac Duncan in Residence Life, and a staff member will work with you to get back into your room, during normal business hours 8am-4:30pm.  Please be conscientious of our staff and restrict evening and night entry to emergencies only (i.e., I need to get my prescription medication).

Can I still have off-campus guests?

No. In an effort to practice social distancing and to know who has access to the residence halls in case of infection, no off-campus guests are allowed until further notice.