Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Last Update: 7/9/2020   3:15 p.m.

Northwestern Health Sciences University is committed to our community’s health and safety, maintaining student’s academic progress, and minimizing disruptions as much as possible. We track MN’s Stay Safe Plan and follow all of its guidelines. Please review the NWHSU Preparedness Plan for specific information.

Is campus open?

Yes, but for limited purposes. the Northwestern Health Sciences University building is open for specific purposes listed below.

  • A limited number of essential employees are working on campus to fill retail orders and serve patients who have appointments scheduled in our clinics.
  • Designated employees may return to work on campus with the approval of their division senior leader.
  • Students and retail customers will not be allowed in the building during this time, except students attending clinical internships.
  • Faculty may work on campus on a limited basis to enhance learning experiences.
  • All employees who can work remotely will continue to do so.
Are there any essential businesses on campus that will be open?

Our retail stores are currently closed to the public. We have a limited number of employees working on campus who continue to fulfill online and call-in orders through the Herbal Dispensary and Campus store. All orders will be shipped to customers, and retail employees on campus will only fulfill orders.

  • Our Campus Store is open to fulfill orders from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. weekdays. You can request to have health supplements shipped to you using this online form.
  • The Herbal Dispensary is open to fill orders from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. weekdays.
  • Although the campus library remains closed, staff are available to do virtual consultations (research assistance, writing lab) outside of those hours by appointment. Please email library@nwhealth.edu to set those up.

What safety measures do you have in place for individuals on campus?

We continue to follow CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines, and have created a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that includes guidelines for a safe return to campus.

Any person who enters our campus building is required to wear an appropriate face covering while in any common hallways or spaces. The face cloth can be removed while in a private work space only.

Every person in our campus building is required to practice social distancing and wash their hands frequently. All employees must check their temperatures prior to coming to campus. If it is 100.4° F or higher, they must not come to campus.

Are the clinics open?

NWHSU Bloomington Clinic, Human Performance Center, De Rusha Clinic, Integrative Clinic of Minnesota, and Salvation Army Harbor Light have reopened.

During this period with limited in-person services, our providers continue to offer telemedicine in Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and Naturopathy. Fees vary based on the length of the session. For more information, call 952-885-5444.

Our Radiological Consulting Services are still available for provider radiology needs. Customers will not be allowed in the building.

How are classes being held in the Summer and Fall terms?

Classes will be delivered in a hybrid format during the Summer and Fall terms. Students will do their didactic coursework remotely. This means students will not be required to be present on campus for many classes, with exceptions, for example labs and clinic shifts. Any students who need to come to campus for class will get instructions from faculty and staff on protocols and safety procedures specific to their situation.

We continue to evaluate the best method to deliver ongoing classes and will be communicating any changes to this format as they arise.

What resources are available for students?

We are committed to supporting each student’s progress toward their degree or credential as well as protecting the safety of all.

If students need resources or assistance during this time, please visit our Student Affairs webpage for information about low-cost internet access and more.

Any students suffering from food insecurity should request assistance from our Student Emergency Food Fund.

If you would like to support the students in our community by donating to our Student Emergency Food Fund, please visit the donation page.

Will students continue to practice in the clinics?

Clinical internships will be offered where possible. On-campus internships are available on a limited basis.

  • All NWHSU Clinics will have proper PPE available and all health and safety guidelines will be enforced.
  • Community clinics and clinical partners are establishing their own health and safety guidelines, including PPE availability.
  • Students are not required to participate in their internships and clinical training until they feel safe or comfortable. Clinical training may delay your graduation, but you will not be penalized. Work with your program or clinical director to discuss options.

Is travel being restricted?

At this time, there is no travel ban in place for students or employees.

All individuals who have traveled internationally or to a domestic COVID-19 hotspot are asked to monitor their health, self-quarantine for 14 days after returning from travel, and are restricted from coming on campus. 

Please note that domestic hotspots can fluctuate, and is important to monitor the CDC website. As of June 29, the four main hotspot states are Texas, Arizona, California and Florida with more than 40,000 new COVID-19 cases in each state over the last seven days. If you are traveling to other domestic locations, please consider the CDC guidance before planning your travel.

We asked our international students to continue to monitor border-crossing restrictions at one of the following credible information resources:

What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed?

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone that you suspect has the virus, these are the steps that you should take:

  • If the individual is someone in your household, distance yourself as much as possible from that individual
  • Self-quarantine for 14 days
  • If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider

Whom should I notify if I’ve tested positive for COVID-19?

  • Students: Susan Neppl, Registrar, Registrar1@nwhealth.edu
  • Staff and Faculty: Mary Gale, Vice President of Human Resources

That will help us to monitor the situation on campus and determine what additional precautions need to be taken.

If someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19, will NWHSU notify students or employees?

Yes. If we have a positive COVID-19 case, we will determine when the person was on campus and who may have had close contact with them. Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes, having direct face-to-face contact, or being coughed or sneezed on by the ill person.

Communication will be sent to the close contact list and an appropriate a broader communication may be sent, depending upon the circumstances.

What can I do if I feel anxious about the virus?

We know anxiety can arise in uncertain situations like this. The Coronavirus causes concern for the health of yourself, family members, friends, and others. If students need support, please contact the Student Affairs office for counseling resources; and any member of our community experiencing anxiety can connect directly to people who can help.

Where can I find additional information?

NWHSU faculty leadership released a formal statement speaking out against COVID-19 bigotry toward Asian-Americans. The press release includes additional information on the prevention of the spreading of bigotry and misinformation.