Campus Update July 25, 2022

 

Summer has certainly provided many 100+ degree days, and I hope you are remaining safe and healthy while making some time to relax and recharge.  Unfortunately, with increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently changed the community level for McLennan County to “high” for its impact on health and healthcare systems.  Therefore, the Leadership Team believes it is important to provide some reminders to help keep you, your family, and the entire campus safe.  I have attended two state-wide conferences (one last week), and after returning home, I received notice that someone has contracted COVID.  I was in a hotel in Austin, and on the last day, the hotel notified our group that there was COVID in the hotel, and they recommended we wear masks. The Leadership Team is providing the following advice:

Being in the “High” level, the CDC recommends the following:

Below are some reminders about our campus guidance:

  • The Leadership Team requests that you monitor your health by using the self-assessment checklist and report on the self-reporting portal if you begin to have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. 
  • Testing Guidance:
    • If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and do have symptoms:
      • Self-report
      • Do not return to work for at least 5 days.
      • You may choose to return to work after 5 days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and if your other symptoms have improved, provided that you wear a well-fitting mask while at work for 5 additional days.
    • If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms:
      • Self-report
      • Do not return to work for at least 5 days.
      • You may choose to return to work after 5 days if you continue to have no symptoms, provided that you wear a well-fitting mask while at work for 5 additional days.
  • If you have had close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, your work/location status will depend upon your vaccination status.   
    • If you have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters, you may remain/return to work and should monitor yourself for any symptoms for at least 10 days.
    • If you have not received any vaccines or all recommended vaccine doses including boosters, you will need to stay home or work remotely for five days.  You may then return to campus if you wear a mask through day 10. 
  • If you are sick, do not come to work and/or leave campus when you start to feel sick.  Get tested for COVID-19 at that time.
  • Emergency Leave is still available for employees; please reference Policy F-I-d, 11.
  • Remote work options are available; discuss this with your supervisor.  If you are not able to work during the quarantine/isolation period, you should notify the HR Office for assistance.
  • Socially distance (at least 6 feet) when possible.
  • Allow zoom as an option for campus meetings, when possible.
  • Request COVID-19 test kits offered through the federal government online.

 

If you have any specific questions regarding COVID-19 or other protocols, feel free to reach out to the Vice Presidents, Human Resources, Frank Patterson, or me.  Let’s do our best to keep everybody safe and healthy.  Together, we can do this.

Thanks,

Johnette McKown
President
McLennan Community College

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