Updated Nov. 20, 2020
Q. When can I come back to campus after being exposed, having symptoms or testing positive for COVID?
A. This scenarios graphic checklist will answer that question for you. (Accessible version, no graphics.)
Q. What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-like symptoms, or I am living with someone who has COVID, or I have COVID and I am in isolation or quarantine?
A. Do not come to campus. Notify your instructor. Consult the scenarios checklist to find out when you can return to campus.
Q. How to I quarantine?
A. The Spokane Regional Health District has that information.
Q. What should I do if I cannot quarantine at home?
A. Contact the local health district's COVID hotline at 324-1409 for a referral. The hotline can also assist with general questions about COVID including what to do if you do not have health insurance and can't see a medical provider, how to safely isolate and when you can return to work or school.
Q. What does close contact mean?
A. Close contacts are people who have been within 6 feet of a person infected with COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes regardless of whether the person was wearing a mask or respiratory personal protective equipment.
Q. How do I access IT support if I am required to quarantine?
A. Call the IT help desk at 533-4357.
Q. For in-person classes at SCC and SFCC, how do you make sure everyone stays safe?
A. Face coverings are required of all students and employees on campus. All in-person classes require faculty and students to participate in a safety training prior to the start of class. All students, faculty and staff are required to complete statements (Health Attestation) daily that ask if they are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. Also, every class space is unique and has a specialized safety plan in place. High-traffic areas are cleaned at greater frequency and classrooms and offices are stocked with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Students do not work in close proximity unless it is a lab that requires it, and in those cases, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used.
Q. How do I receive my safety training at SCC and SFCC?
A. All students will receive safety training through Canvas, our online learning platform. Students are able to access Canvas after registering for classes. Faculty with in-person classes also will train students about the safety protocols of their particular classroom at the beginning of class.
Q. What happens if a student or instructor who has attended class tests positive for COVID-19?
A. We notify all students and faculty who are in the class of the COVID-19 positive person. We deep clean the space before the class meets again. We also review and verify compliance with the safety protocols. CCS is working closely with the health district, which coordinates contact tracing with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 or may have been exposed. Students who test positive for COVID-19 must follow Spokane Regional Health District guidance, which includes waiting to return until it has been at least 10 days since symptoms started, being fever free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications, being symptom free and providing medical clearance from SRHD or their medical provider prior to a return. We have a checklist here you can use to find guidance for your specific situation.
Q. Will I be told if someone tests positive for COVID19 on campus?
A. All those who may have been in contact with, or in the same location as, the COVID-19 positive person will be notified. The follow-up contact tracing is coordinated by the health district.
Q. Does the CCS Student Health Clinic offer COVID testing?
A. No. However, the clinic will be open Mon-Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during the academic year for vaccines and illnesses. The local health district keeps a list of testing locations.
Q. What are the options for students who require specific in-person only classes to complete their degree/transfer requirements, but who are either immunocompromised or high risk and are unable to attend classes on campus?
A. Every student situation is different. Many classes will be offered online. For programs that require in-person classes, we encourage students to contact their program faculty to determine the appropriate options. Some students have taken a medical leave and will return. Some programs have been able to work individually with students to help them complete their requirements. It is really class by class and program by program.
If you have a documented disability and feel you may benefit from classroom accommodations, consider contacting the Disability Support Services office on your campus. Contact information is on their websites: SCC Disability Support Services or SFCC Disability Support Services.
Q. What if I become anxious and need to talk to someone?
A. Both colleges have counseling offices. If you are at SCC, you may email wscounseling@scc.spokane.edu or call 533-7026. SFCC students may email sfcc.counseling@sfcc.spokane.edu or call 533-3525.
Q. What if I need a laptop or access to high speed internet for class?
A. The colleges may be able to help you with your technology needs. If you are an SCC student, contact the financial aid department to see if you qualify for the CARES Act funding at fscc@scc.spokane.edu or 533-7017. If you are an SFCC student, check with student financial aid at sfcc.finaid@sfcc.spokane.edu or 533-3550.
Q. How do I know what services are open on campus?
A. Each college has a page on the website where offices are posting that information as well as much more about their operations during the pandemic. SCC’s page is here and SFCC's page is here.
Q. Do I have to self-quarantine if I travel outside the state?
A. If you are a Washington resident returning from a trip outside the state, health officials are recommending you stay home as much as possible and limit interactions for 14 days. Whether you are a Washington resident or a student arriving from another country or who has traveled to another country, please for the CDC guidelines for after travel precautions. Monitor yourself and your household daily for any symptoms of COVID. If you have an emergency warning sign please get emergency medical care immediately. If you live in close quarters with others, take additional precautions to protect them.
Q. What should I do if I see someone who is not wearing a face covering?
A. As a student, you have a responsibility to abide by the required safety protocols. Wear your face covering and keep 6 feet away from the person. If that is not possible, report this to your instructor or other college official. Otherwise, there is no need to report it.