Southwest readies campus for Phase I reopen

By Diana Fedinec

Joyce Stallion disinfects a
classroom in preparation for the
reopening of Southwest’s Macon
Cove and Union Ave. campuses
July 8, 2020.

Southwest Tennessee Community College is readying its Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses for a much anticipated College reopening on July 8, 2020, under the Back to Campus Plan - Phase I. Staff have been prepping the grounds and buildings for the arrival of students and essential employees, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tennessee Board of Regents health guidelines. 

Police Services and Public Safety is working in tandem with the Physical Plant department to provide a clean and safe environment for everyone who enters the campuses. Crews are disinfecting the inside of buildings from top to bottom, including classrooms and equipment, retrofitting classrooms for social distancing, placing social distancing markers on floors, setting up PPE checkpoints and health screening stations and posting health instructions and policies, among other health precautions.

Southwest’s COVID-19 Task Force implemented several protocols for access to the campuses that include a mandatory pre-arrival health questionnaire, body temperature scan and wearing of facial coverings. Students and employees are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early for class or work to allow time for the health screening. Task force members are asking everyone to “know before you go,” and review the Phase I plan prior to coming to campus.

Safety is a top priority at Southwest, however, these infection control strategies require the cooperation of everyone to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

To learn more about the College’s Back to Campus Plan - Phase I, visit the Back to Campus Plan site.