COVID Guidelines-Fall Semester

August 7, 2020

Central Community College understands powerful learning experiences can occur through safe interactions between students, faculty, staff and visitors. To that end, a CCC COVID Emergency Response Team has been working since early March when the COVID pandemic reached the Nebraska borders. This team meets weekly to discuss the best course of action when it comes to the risk of COVID-19 while trying to ensure that CCC remains a safe learning environment and our college mission implemented. This document contains information and guidelines as the college returns to in-class instruction for the fall 2020 semester. Changes will be communicated via campus email, WebCentral, CCC social media platforms and the Coronavirus updates and information webpage, which is located on the front page of the CCC website.

These guidelines should be followed by all students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Individual Responsibilities –Everyone who comes to CCC should be committed to ensuring the safety of those around them by utilizing these steps:

Self-Monitoring – If you show new symptoms of COVID 19, please stay home. These include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Please consider signing up for testnebraska.com or downloading “1-check COVID-19 Screening” app for regular reporting and guidance on risk and free testing availability in our area.

Daily temperature checks should be taken by individuals prior to coming to a college location or event.

Social Distancing – When possible, maintain six-foot distance from others. In order to help everyone accomplish this, CCC has taken the following steps:

  • Classrooms have been arranged to allow for social distancing and fewer occupancy.
  • Floor signage indicating flow patterns and social distancing recommendations may be utilized
  • Common seating areas have been rearranged and marked.
  • Dining areas have been reconfigured to maintain social distancing and less contact food service.
  • On-campus housing capacity has been reduced and isolation rooms are available if needed.

Face Coverings – Face coverings are required at all CCC campuses and centers. Approved face coverings include:

  • Masks
  • Face shields
  • Neck gaiters
  • Bandanas
  • Documented requirement by academic program or medical professional

Practice Good Hygiene

  • Cough or sneeze into your arm.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth or face.
  • Regularly wash your hands using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Cleaning and Disinfecting – Enhanced cleaning of high traffic areas. Individuals are asked to clean items used by the individual including classroom desk, chair, tools or lab equipment.

  • Hand sanitizer will be available in all buildings. Individuals are encouraged to have their own personal sanitizer as well.
  • Wipe down hard surfaces with disinfectant wipes, use disposable gloves if available.
  • Cleaning supplies will be available in classrooms and residential areas.
  • Clean any individual workspace, such as computer lab stations, when you are finished.
  • Clean any public recreation items or gym equipment when finished using them.

Dining – Chartwells has implemented the following guidelines for all patrons:

  • All food will be staff served and there will be no self-serve options, including condiments.
  • Patrons will be handed cups for beverages.
  • There will be an increase of grab-and-go options.
  • Phone ahead ordering is encouraged to reduce foot traffic in serving areas.
  • For catering service, all buffets will be staff served and boxed meals will be available.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or display any of the symptoms:

  • For CCC staff, please inform your supervisor immediately. They will work with Human Resources.
  • For CCC students, please inform the associate dean of students on your respective campus/center in addition to your faculty member.
  • You may be contacted by college officials and local health department tracers if you have come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case.

Mental Health – Mental health resources and referrals are available to any CCC student and employee. Additional recommendations to manage fear, stress and anxiety include:

  • Get facts from reliable sources.
  • Validate your feelings and find calmness.
  • Connect with others and organizational support.
  • Keep physically active.

Travel and Social Behavior

  • Reduce close exposure to large groups and strangers when possible.
  • Avoid areas that are considered “hot spots” for COVID-19.
  • Wear a face covering when outside of the home.
  • Use phone, email or videoconferencing when possible versus in-person meetings.
  • Nod, wave or smile as a greeting instead of shaking hands.