Return to College - Health and Safety

Cloth Face Coverings

Cloth Face Coverings (CFC) are required to be worn by anyone entering a campus building. CFCs help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by placing a barrier between you and those around you. While they may not stop all moisture droplets that may contain the Coronavirus, they do stop some, and can greatly reduce the distance a sneeze or cough can reach.

We ask you to bring your own CFC to campus. That way you will have a mask that you know is comfortable for you. The only requirement is that they meet CDC guidelines.

As mentioned, CFCs are required to be worn by anyone entering a campus building. If you are unable to tolerate a CFC due to medical reasons, speak with your instructor or the campus Dean of Student Services. In some limited cases, a faceshield can be used.

If you forget your CFC, you may purchase one from the College for a minimal fee. Vending machines for CFCs will be located near each campus Bookstore.

Social Distancing

Social distancing uses distance to help protect you from exposure from a potentially infected individual. Since you cannot always tell when you or someone else is sick, the CDC recommends you maintain at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household, especially people who may be at higher risk.

Avoid walking down narrow aisles or hallways if there are others present, if you can. However, keep in mind if you are wearing a cloth face covering (which you should be!), simply walking by someone is unlikely to significantly increase your risk of exposure, just don’t stop to chat.

Handwashing and Hand Sanitizers

Handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Proper handwashing technique is important. According to the CDC, you should:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Hand sanitizers should only be used when you are unable to properly wash your hands, or to supplement hand washing. To be effective, hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl alcohol). Do not use any product that lists “methanol” or “methyl alcohol” in the ingredients. They can be very toxic.

To properly use hand sanitizers, the CDC recommends:

1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

Coughing and sneezing are the primary ways the Coronavirus is spread by infected people. While cloth face coverings help to reduce the spread, they cannot be 100% effective. That is why it is still important to control where your coughs and sneezes go. The CDC recommends:

1. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow, and do not spit.
2. Throw used tissues in the trash.
3. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

What To Do If You Feel Sick

If you feel sick, don’t come to campus. Contact your instructor. The College may contact you to find out how you are doing and ask for some additional information. You should contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms and follow their advice.

If you are sick, you may need to stay off campus for up to 14 days. We recommend that you get tested for COVID-19. You are not required to share the results of any medical testing, but this information can help determine how long you may need to stay off campus.

Questions?

Talk to your instructor if you have any questions or concerns about returning to campus. The following links provide additional information regarding COVID-19, and how to stay healthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – COVID-19 Resources
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)/State of Michigan
Oakland County Health Division (OCHD)/Oakland County
OCC Coronavirus Web Page