Campus Update November 12

 

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Dear Faculty and Staff,

Like many places across Texas and the nation, McLennan County is realizing an increase in positive COVID-19 test results. At McLennan Community College, we currently have 13 active positive cases that affect employees and students on our campus, and others are in quarantine related to possible exposures. So far, we have done extremely well, and our continued vigilance will serve us well to maintain very few cases. New guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) this week explained that face coverings are primarily intended to reduce the emission of the virus from an infected individual, but they can also reduce inhalation by the wearer. We must all wear masks (correctly) to protect each other. Particularly important to note from the new information is that the CDC estimates 50% of the virus transmission comes from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals. This new CDC information affirms the importance of our COVID-19 protocols.


I know that the fatigue of COVID-19 has set in, but please continue to be diligent and follow the COVID-19 safety protocols. These steps are what will allow us to remain safe and keep the campus open.

  • Wear a face covering when around people you don’t live with and when in public. (Policy E-XXXXI)
  • Practice social distancing at all times.
  • Avoid large gatherings.
  • Practice good hand hygiene.
  • Self-Assess your health each day before coming to work.
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well and report on the self-portal.

PLEASE Report on the self-portal if you exhibit any potential COVID-19 signs and stay at home to protect your fellow employees, students, and campus visitors, as well as you and your families. The College has made emergency sick leave and emergency personal leave available to ensure employees do not feel the need to come to work when feeling ill from what could be COVID-19. Coming to work when ill puts others in danger of becoming ill or possibly needing to be quarantined because of exposure.

As I mentioned in a previous communication, the following activities are considered higher risk:

  • Shopping in crowded stores
  • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside your household
  • Being in an area that is experiencing high levels of COVID-19. You can check the CDC Travel Health Notices for recommendation
  • Attending mass gatherings like sporting events, concerts, or parades
  • Being in crowds – for example, in restaurants, bars, airports, bus and train stations, or movie theaters
  • Traveling on a cruise ship or river boat
  • If you have participated in any of these types of activities, please take the following actions to prevent other from getting sick:
    • Practice social distancing from anyone who is not from your household. Stay at least 6 feet away both indoors and outdoors.
  • Wear a face covering to keep your nose and mouth covered when you are outside of your home. We encourage wearing your face covering at all times while at work (including your office) unless you are eating or drinking.
  • Practice good hand hygiene often.
  • Monitor your health by checking for any symptoms with the self-assessment form.

With less than two weeks until the last day of work and classes before the Thanksgiving holiday, I understand there are concerns about the increases in cases. With the help of Frank Patterson and Lisa Elliott, the Leadership Team continues to monitor the local and state situation. Frank Patterson is closely watching multiple indicators, such as the percentage of people who test positive and the capacity of our local hospitals. We all want to stay safe, and we will stay informed. I meet with the community’s leadership three times a week, so I am aware of what is happening as well.

You have done a tremendous job during these difficult times. Your focus has remained keeping each other safe, serving students the best we can, and ensuring the safe operation of the College. You are being incredible in your response to the pandemic. Together, this is what we will continue to do as a College. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated.

Johnette E. McKown
President
McLennan Community College