COVID-19 Updates and FAQs

COVID-19, Updates and FAQs

Protect yourself and others and stay home if you are sick.

If you're experiencing a health emergency, call 911.

Please use our OCC COVID-19 online reporting portal if you:

  • Have tested positive for COVID-19
  • Experiencing COVID-like symptoms, have not been tested, but have been in close contact with a confirmed case.

Masks

Masks are not required. Students, visitors and staff are welcome to wear masks. 
Thank you for showing kindness and respect for others’ personal circumstances.

A guide to COVID symptoms

(source: CDC)

COVID-19 symptoms are fever or chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headahes, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breat or difficulty breathing
INFLUENZA symptoms are fever or feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, muscle or body aches, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting, diarrhea
COLD symptoms are fever or feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, muscle or body aches, runny or stuffy nose

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Reporting/Vaccines/Quarantine

Updated: May 4, 2022

 

How do I report a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please access the OCC COVID-19 online reporting portal.

How do I sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Visit the Oakland County Health Department’s COVID-19 Vaccine Hub to find a vaccination clinic or appointment near you. The State of Michigan also has a helpful web resource that can be used to find a COVID-19 vaccination site in your area.

Do I have to be vaccinated?

No. While the COVID-19 vaccines are not mandatory, the College encourages everyone to get vaccinated.

What if I’m not comfortable taking face to face courses this semester? 

Your academic success and personal safety are our top priority; however, we understand some students prefer not to take face-to-face courses. OCC students have a number of options including late-start courses, which you may register up to the day the class begins, and more online options being added. 

Will I be quarantined?

You will not need to quarantine from campus due to having had close contact with a COVID-19 case. However, consistent with MDHHS guidelines, you should monitor your symptoms for 10 days after exposure, get tested if you develop symptoms, and consider wearing a mask around others during this period.

If I feel sick, but have not tested positive for COVID-19, may I come to campus?

Absolutely not. While you may not have COVID-19, we do not want anyone you may come in contact with to become ill from any disease, including a cold or the flu. Stay home whether you are vaccinated or not vaccinated.

What do I do if I start to feel ill while on campus?

Go home. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please access the OCC COVID-19 online reporting portal, seek medical attention, and consider getting tested. Quarantine periods may be assigned by the College.

If I notify OCC that I am positive for COVID-19, will any of my personal information be shared with others?

All personal information is kept private by OCC to the extent allowed by law. Personal information will not be shared with any unauthorized employee at OCC. In addition, the College always tries not to provide non-personal information that might allow someone to determine the identity of the COVID-19 case.

Masks/Face Coverings

Do I need to wear a mask while on OCC campuses?

Masks are optional. 

Can I purchase face coverings on campus?

Yes. Cloth face coverings can be purchased from vending machines at the following campus locations:

  • Auburn Hills: G Building
  • Highland Lakes: Woodland Hall
  • Orchard Ridge: J Building
  • Royal Oak: B Building
  • Southfield: A Building

Campus Safety and Operations

What safety precautions are in place on OCC campuses?

Although there are currently no active Emergency Orders or Rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College will continue to implement the following housekeeping and safety protocols to reduce the risk of disease transmission on campus:

  • Social distancing is encouraged.
  • Stay home, if you are sick and continue to self-monitor for symptoms.
  • Monitoring student and employee illnesses, and enforcing isolation periods, as necessary.
  • Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas.
  • Disinfectant dispensers in common areas and near restrooms.
  • Installation of barriers at student service point of contact areas.
  • Making disinfectant wipes available in classrooms and labs.

What campus resources are available?

All OCC student services are available online and many services have returned to campus. Please visit each department's individual website for hours and details.

Are food services open on campus?

Ample vending machines, as well as self-service Marketplaces, are available across all campuses, offering snacks and drinks.

What modifications will be made at campus buildings to reduce the risk of COVID-19?

Some modifications include:

  • Drinking fountains equipped with bottle-filling stations are being phased in at all campuses.
  • Disinfectant dispensers in common areas and near restrooms.
  • Installation of barriers at student service point of contact areas.

Who is responsible for cleaning and disinfecting classrooms?

The custodial staff will clean and disinfect the rooms according to College protocols. Students will be encouraged to clean and disinfect their desks, seats, and shared equipment prior to use. Faculty, lab staff and paraprofessionals will need to help ensure shared work areas are kept clean and disinfected. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided by the College.

What cleaning products are being used by custodians and are they safe for people with allergies and asthma?

All cleaning products are commercial products appropriate for their intended use and disinfectants are EPA-approved. Any cleaning or disinfecting product can pose a health risk if improperly used.