Bethel Cancels International Spring Break Mission Trips

Due to the continued spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, Bethel University has canceled all international mission trips scheduled for spring break. At this time, university-related domestic spring break trips (e.g., missions, athletics, music) will continue as planned, but the emergency management team will continue to monitor the situation.

This was a challenging decision that was not made lightly. Bethel is deeply committed to providing students with opportunities to impact the world for Christ. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend limiting international travel, and several universities have made similar adjustments out of concern for the safety and wellbeing of their students.

For Bethel students, staff, and faculty who choose to travel over spring break:

1. If you traveled to a country with a CDC Level 3 Health Notice, you must self-quarantine for 14 days upon your arrival in the U.S. and before returning to campus. If you live in student housing, this quarantine cannot take place in your residence hall. The university will not allow official travel to these countries while the health notice is in place.
2. If you traveled to a country with a CDC Level 2 Health Notice and are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus. This also applies if the CDC increases the country’s health notice to Level 3 during your travel.
3. If you travel on a cruise ship, follow the CDC’s recommendations and monitor your health. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 aboard, you must self-quarantine for 14 days upon your arrival in the U.S. and before returning to campus.

Please refer to the CDC’s protocol for self-quarantine.

Regardless of spring break travel plans, please help ensure the safety and wellbeing of the entire Bethel community by observing the CDC’s prevention recommendations, including proper hand-washing. If you show any symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please contact your doctor before returning to campus.

All questions about COVID-19 and Bethel’s preparations should be directed to Tim Hammer, interim director of communication and director of marketing, at covid-19@bethel.edu.