Exposure & Testing
Employee & Student Steps for
Exposure & Testing
Here are the steps you need to take if you are a McLennan student who has been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19. If you have questions about any of these steps, please email us. We are happy to assist you through this uncertain time.
Do you feel sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms? YES NO
Have you been tested for COVID-19?
Yes. I tested positive. Yes. I tested negative.
Yes, but I haven't received the results yet.
No, but I need to be tested. No. I have no symptoms of COVID-19.
What is meant by "close contact":
- You live in the same house or apartment as someone who has COVID-19.
- You care for someone who has COVID-19.
- You have been within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for 15 minutes or longer.
- You have been in direct contact with secretions from someone who has COVID-19.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms:
- Self-report
- Do not come to campus for at least 5 days.
- You may choose to come to campus 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.
- Self-report
- Do not come to campus for at least 5 days.
- You may choose to come to campus 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.
How do to get tested for COVID-19:
- Request COVID-19 test kits offered through the federal government online.
- Local COVID testing sites are listed here.
What to do if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or is having symptoms of COVID-19 (according to CDC website):
- If you have had close contact with a confirmed positive COVID-19 case, your options are based on your vaccination status.
- If you have received all recommended vaccine doses, including boosters, you may remain/return to campus 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 for five days. You may then return to campus if you wear a mask through day 10.
Symptoms of COVID-19 (according to CDC website)
- 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
- Seek Emergency Medical Attention if you experience any of these Emergency Warning Signs.
- This list does not include all possible symptoms. Check the CDC website for more symptoms as they are known.
Emergency Warning Signs (according to CDC website). Seek emergency medical care immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Prevention of COVID-19 (according to CDC website):
- Get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including the booster shots. Check here for locations in our area.
- Get the flu shot.
- Socially distance (at least 6 feet) when possible.
- Request COVID-19 test kits offered through the federal government online.
- Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer with 60% or more alcohol, if soap and water are not available. Soap and water are the best options.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes. Throw away used tissues.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid sharing your personal household items.
- Clean all "high-touch" surfaces daily.
- Monitor your daily health by reviewing MCC's Self-Assessment form.
- Take your temperature if you are having symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you have a fever without fever-reducing medication.