Latest updates
COVID Management Protocols and Procedures
- There will no longer be an indoor mask mandate for activities. Instead we will move to a mask optional environment unless prescribed by some external authority. Two important pieces remain in place for this new policy:
- Per CDC guidance, we would continue to encourage those who have recently tested positive to wear a mask around others in days 6-10 following isolation.
- Second – and most importantly – as a community, we will honor the request of others to mask in their presence if requested. This includes classes, office spaces, meetings, and other gatherings on our campus. As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been a community that has proven time and time again that we respect and look out for one another. We ask and expect that this ethos and level of common care will continue in this new phase.
- The College will no longer conduct detailed contact tracing for exposures to a positive case. We will continue to honor voluntary exposure disclosure as before, but will now limit our contact tracing to roommates or other living environment exposures. We encourage those who have tested positive to reach out to others who may have had close contact. In this, positive cases will continue to isolate away from campus.
- We will move to full capacity for on-campus events.
FAQs
If you have symptoms of a cold or the flu (fever, cough, sneezing, shortness of breath), stay home, get rest, and contact the Gaston County Coronavirus Call Center 704-862-5303 or the Wellness Center at 704-461-6877 for assistance. Most importantly stay at home and take care of yourself.
If you have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, have been notified you were exposed to coronavirus, or if you are experiencing any symptoms of the coronavirus, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for self-monitoring and seeking medical care. You should remain off-campus until cleared by a medical professional.
At the onset of any symptoms or to notify the college of a positive test please email Belmont Abbey College at BACCOVID19@bac.edu. Please include the date of the onset of symptoms and, if applicable, the test date.
Avoid close contact.
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay in when you are sick.
-If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
Cover your mouth and nose.
-Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Serious respiratory illnesses are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
Clean your hands.
-Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
-Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Practice other good health habits.
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
