REXBURG, Idaho — In a memo issued on September 25 to students and employees, BYU Idaho is "deeply concerned by the increase of active COVID-19 cases in our region and on campus." The university is asking students and employees to follow the health restrictions issued by Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH.)
"We are committed to honoring civil authority," the memo said. "The university’s ability to keep campus open will be determined by EIPH thresholds, including active cases and hospital bed capacity."
The memo also said if guidelines from EIPH are not followed and the current trend continues, it may require a reclosure of campus. This may include moving classes to remote and online instruction, challenges in meeting housing contracts, strain on the local community and an emotional toll of continued separation and/or isolation.
According to EIPH guidelines, masks must be worn in public and physical distancing must be maintained. Participating in large gatherings in parks, apartments, dance parties and other events where the standards are not observed is against the public health guidelines, the memo states.
"If BYU-Idaho students refuse to comply with EIPH guidelines or take actions that put others at risk, campus privileges may be restricted," the memo said. "This could include not being able to attend class on campus, work on campus, or receive in-person campus services. It could also result in suspension and/or dismissal from the university."
To read all updates about COVID-19 on the BYU Idaho campus, click here. According to the active cases dashboard, BYU Idaho has 56 active student cases and 11 active employee cases as of September 27.
