Campus Alerts

Emergency Notification

• As cases of gastrointestinal (GI) complaints decrease, there are a few updates to consider:
• Virginia Department of Health has visited campus and found no issues with Liberty Dining. Dining facilities are open based on their normal operating schedule.
• Custodial has increased their rounds and methods to contain and disinfect potential virus spread.
• All classes continue to operate on normal schedule, if you are experiencing illness, be sure to engage with your professor.
• The Student Health Center is open Monday-Thursday 8-6 pm and Friday 8-5 pm and has sample kits available. Additionally, hydration packs are available for each on-campus student through their hall leadership.
• If you have any GI complaints or emergencies, please call 434-592-7641 or 434-592-3911.

What you can do to help protect our community:

• Wash hands with soap and water (hand sanitizers have proven less effective against killing the virus).
• Clean all surfaces using products that say virucidal.
• If you have recently been sick replace your toothbrush.

What you can do if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Please maintain hydration. Drink substances like Gatorade, Pedialyte, or water.
• Please remain isolated from others while experiencing symptoms.
• If symptoms worsen, please seek care at either Student Health Center Monday-Thursday 8-6 pm and Friday 8-5 pm, Walk-in-Care Wards Road 8-5 pm 7 days a week, or after hours at the Emergency Room.
• Please call 911 or (434) 592-3911 if you are needing emergency care.

Emergency Notification- Urgent

With the increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses on campus, there is an ongoing investigation for the cause of the illness. Collaborative efforts between Liberty University, the Virginia Department of Health, the City of Lynchburg, and community partners are actively working to provide more information. Liberty University asks each member of the LU community to please take preventative measures such as handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. Also, avoid close contact with those who have symptoms. Our priority is to keep each member of our LU community healthy and safe. We ask that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please isolate in your residence.

At this time the Virginia Department of Health has not identified any issues with Liberty University dining facilities and is not recommending the closure of any dining facilities.

What you can do if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms:

• Please maintain hydration. Drink substances like Gatorade, Pedialyte, or water.
• If symptoms worsen, please seek care at either Student Health Center Monday-Thursday 8-6 pm and Friday 8-5 pm, Walk-in-Care Wards Road 8-5 pm 7 days a week, or after hours at the Emergency Room.
• Please call 911 or (434) 592-3911 if you are needing emergency care.

The Reber Thomas Dining Hall has chicken broth available to anyone who is picking up food for those who are feeling under the weather. Please go to the front desk of The Reber Thomas Dining Hall and ask for chicken broth and they will bring hot chicken broth, crackers, and bottled water.

Out of an abundance of caution, we’re asking our Liberty University community to please be aware that over the past few hours, the campus has experienced a growing number of students impacted by symptoms indicative of gastrointestinal issues, such as severe abdominal pain, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. We ask all members of the Liberty University community to please take preventative measures such as handwashing, sanitizing, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, and avoiding close contact with those who have symptoms. Our priority is to keep you and all of our other members of our community as safe and healthy as possible. We also ask that if you are experiencing these issues, please stay in your dorm room. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please call (434) 592-7641.

To prevent the spread of illnesses such as these on campus, it is essential to follow these preventive measures:

1. Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating or preparing food.
2. Disinfection: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects regularly, as illnesses such as these can survive on surfaces for an extended period.
3. Isolation: If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, stay in your dorms or homes to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid close contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.
4. Food Safety: Practice good food hygiene by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking seafood properly, and avoiding sharing food or utensils with others.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial.
6. Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover from the infection.
7. Medication: Over-the-counter medications may be used to alleviate symptoms such as nausea and fever. However, consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.

In the event of an emergency, contact LU Dispatch at 3911 or our non-emergency number at (434) 592-7641.