Today, out of an abundance of caution, we announce the following important updates:
- Spring break is being extended for curriculum students for one week (March 16-20).
- We will close at 5 pm. Monday through Thursday.
- We encourage students to stay at home during this time.
- All faculty and staff need to report to work.
- There will be additional communication with faculty about transitioning to online classes, clinicals, etc.
- Vice Presidents will also be communicating with their individual areas with further information specific to your departments.
- We intend to limit visitors on campus.
- For continuing education students, all classes are suspended from March 14-22.
- Effective immediately, all travel for RCC purposes is suspended.
- Effective immediately, all events on all of our campuses are cancelled through May 31. A decision about RCC’s graduation is pending.
- As of the distribution of this email, Randolph Early College High School will be open the week of March 16-20.
- The café and the library will be open during the week of March 16-20 and will also close at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
- During the week of March 16-20, the focus of our campus’ work will be to transition most curriculum classes to online and other work we need to do to ensure our campus community remains as safe as possible.
- We are asking that all employees self-disclose travel to any areas that have been deemed “hot spots” where outbreaks of the Coronavirus have occurred. This includes travel to foreign countries, other states (New York, Massachusetts, California, and Washington) as well as the counties of Orange, Wake, Forsyth and Durham in North Carolina. Decisions will then be made of what the best course of action should be. Click here to fill out the Self-Report Form.
The Facilities Team has been and is doing several things to address the situation, and you will continue to see enhancements to our cleaning efforts. Our standard protocol follows bloodborne pathogen cleaning guidelines. This guideline includes chemicals such as Fight Bac, Clorox and Vital Oxide. Areas that these chemicals are used nightly are restrooms, dining tables, door hardware, chairs, and library. We have used these chemicals for years, and they defeat infectious and contagious viruses, including Coronovirus. These are not new chemicals, so we have effectively been fighting these viruses on a daily basis.
This remains a very fluid situation, and these were not decisions RCC has made lightly. While there are no cases of COVID-19 on our campus or in Randolph County, we have all seen how this situation is continually changing. We are implementing these measures to do what we can to “flatten the curve” – a phrase that many physicians are using regarding further prevention – while also ensuring students have the opportunity to continue earning academic credit.
We know the fluidity of this situation may cause some stress in the coming days. Know that our team continues to monitor minute by minute, work with trusted partners and reliable sources, and make decisions that prioritize the campus community’s health and well-being. We appreciate your partnership as we work to do what is best for our entire campus community.
RCC is coordinating with local Randolph County Health, Randolph County Emergency Management, and state officials to proactively monitor and respond to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to protect the health and well-being of our campus community.
Prevention
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. There are some general precautions you should always take to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Health Support
If you suspect you are sick with COVID-19, seek medical care right away. Call ahead, though, before you go to a physician's office, hospital or urgent care center to tell them about your exposure and symptoms. Follow the medical provider's directions. Also, notify the local health department of your exposure and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus
What is 2019 novel coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people, and some of these viruses are more serious than others. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
How is coronavirus typically spread?
From the CDC website: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Can it be spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects?
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend wearing a face mask if you are well and have no symptoms. Face masks should only be used by health care workers and people who may be taking care of someone in a close setting.
If I have flu-like symptoms, what should I do?
Anyone who is displaying flu-like symptoms should stay home and stay away from others as much as possible.
We encourage you to:
- Contact your primary care physician or other healthcare provider to seek medical help.
- Do not go to work or school. Stay home and try to avoid contact with others unless seeking medical treatment.
- Inform your instructors of your absence.
