BUILDING & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

PHASE IV - FALL 2021

 
Timeline and activities described below are contingent upon health and safety guidelines and current pandemic conditions and are subject to change.

Southwest locations have returned to full on-campus operations. However, pandemic-level cleaning protocols continue with spaces being cleaned every two hours according in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Operations return to normal. Masks required and social distancing practiced and encouraged.

A clean campus and safe operating environment are top priorities for Physical Plant. Disposable masks are provided in sufficient quantities at all locations to allow all on-site personnel to frequently refresh their equipment. Social distancing signage is posted in strategic areas on campuses.

Classrooms and equipment are cleaned thoroughly after each class/group meeting. Class sessions are scheduled to provide adequate time for thorough sanitation and trash removal between classes.

Should a confirmed case of COVID-19 occur during Phase IV of the Back to Campus Plan, the classroom or office where the case is confirmed will be closed for intensive cleaning and sanitation and reopened according to CDC guidelines. Physical Plant will notify the campus when the building is safe for use again. Classes impacted by a closure are relocated to another area when possible. Students, employees and visitors who test positive for COVID-19 are to submit a self-report to the college so that contact tracing and sanitation may be performed.

All persons accessing campus will be asked to park in the appropriate parking and comply with measures taken by Public Safety, which could include placing cones in parking lots to create space when vehicles are entered and exited.

All persons on campus during Phase II are required to wear PPE. The College will provide face masks and gloves to all students, faculty, staff and vendors that will be on-site during Phase II. Additional PPE will be provided for essential personnel in Physical Plant and Public Safety.

Physical Plant will distribute PPE to the appropriate classrooms and offices. PPE will be disposed of in open top drums that are designed for easy disposal and hazardous waste collection. The following are the protocols for PPE usage and disposal:

  • Masks and gloves should be changed and disposed at frequent intervals.
  • Glove dispensers will be located at every entrance point and outside every occupied classroom.
  • Glove dispensers will be available for employee suites and common spaces.
  • Masks will be distributed at every entrance point.
  • Disposal receptacles will be located at every entrance point and outside every occupied classroom and main entrances at each open building.
  • Hand sanitizer will be located at every entrance point and inside each occupied classroom.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available for employee suites and common spaces.

To promote social distancing, ITS will remove keyboards from various workstations in classrooms. ITS also will configure and test the body temperature screening kiosk. If the equipment proves to screen effectively, ITS will lead the deployment to the buildings that will be accessible in Phase II.

ITS will provide tech support for the testing lab in Farris Building on Macon Cove Campus during Phase II. Client Service and Support will image Phase II labs. In addition, Media Services will service Phase II classroom equipment.

Sanitizing wipes, disinfectants, gloves and paper towels will be provided in areas that will be used during Phase II. After each use of refrigerators and microwaves persons should wipe down all areas (refrigerator door handles, microwaves, etc.). Also, social distancing should be practiced when accessing refrigerators, using microwaves and eating.

All members of the Southwest community should focus on the following infection control strategies:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with tissues when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth to avoid spreading germs.
  • Improve your immune system by getting enough rest (eight hours is ideal), exercising regularly, and eating healthy.
  • Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with sick people. Employees with flu-like illness are encouraged to stay away from work and classes and limit interactions with other people (called "self-isolation"), except to seek medical care, for at least 72 hours after you no longer have a fever, without the use of fever- reducing medicines. You should stay away from others during this time period. Promptly seek medical attention if you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk of severe illness from flu, are concerned about your illness, or develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing.

For more COVID-19 recommendations, see the CDC Website for Coronavirus (COVID-19) or Southwest Community College’s COVID-19 Webpage.

 

SOUTHWEST BACK TO CAMPUS OPERATIONAL LEVELS

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4