COVID-19 Updates and Reporting
By proper handwashing and keeping up with vaccinations and boosters to protect against COVID-19 and the flu, you can help prevent respiratory illnesses all year long! This webpage is a resource that will be updated as required when new guidance is provided through the U.S. or Maine Center for Disease Control (CDC). We highly encourage you to check here regularly to stay current on the latest developments for respiratory illness prevention.
WCCC is committed to following CDC health recommendations: In response to the updated guidance from the US CDC, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 can now return to their daily activities if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and their symptoms are improving. However, it is important to note that even without symptoms, individuals with COVID-19, RSV, or Influenza may still be contagious and should take precautions (listed below) to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. WCCC continues to advise individuals feeling unwell to stay home and to wear masks, cover coughs, and practice frequent handwashing when returning to campus.
If you have symptoms of respiratory illness, do not come to class or work! If you are feeling sick, stay home and notify your instructors or supervisor. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should remain off campus and notify the college. Students should notify Nichole Cote at 207-454-1012 or ncote@wccc.me.edu and employees should notify Tina Erskine at 207-454-1002 or terskine@wccc.me.edu . These COVID-19 contacts will work with you to determine when it is safe for you to return to campus.
Respiratory Virus Testing: Testing for respiratory viruses can help you decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading a virus to others. Testing is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to assist in making decisions to further protect yourself and others. Additional information on testing can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/testing.html
Immunizations and the COVID-19 Vaccine: Immunizations are a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses. WCCC strongly encourages all learners to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations and remain up-to-date on boosters, but it is not required. There is one exception: WCCC students in some programs may require vaccination against COVID-19 due to requirements at third-party locations, such as clinical or internship sites. Visit https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ to find available COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters
Face Coverings: Masks are currently optional on the WCCC campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Wearing a mask can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. Different masks offer different levels of protection. Wearing the most protective one you can comfortably wear for extended periods of time that fits well (completely covering the nose and mouth) is the most effective option.
For more information: If you have questions about the above information, please reach out to one of the contacts listed above or to Tyler Stoldt, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services, at (207)-454-1032 or tstoldt@wccc.me.edu.
The following notice was sent from Dean of Student Services Tyler Stoldt to all WCCC employees and students on Tuesday, September 3, 2024: As you may be aware, infections of a new COVID variant, FLiRT, are currently on the rise in the State of Maine. Symptoms and the duration of illness from COVID FLiRT infection are similar to earlier strains of the virus. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, body aches, chills, congestion, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, loss of taste and/or smell. Some people may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms. WCCC is committed to following CDC health recommendations: If you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, you should remain off campus and notify the college. If you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with anyone known to have COVID-19, you should notify the college to receive information about precautions. Students should notify Nichole Cote at 207-454-1012 or ncote@wccc.me.edu. This COVID-19 contact will work with you to determine when it is safe for you to return to campus. A list of local testing sites is available at How To Get Tested for COVID-19 in Maine | Covid-19. Most tests are free of charge or covered by insurance if you are symptomatic, have been recently exposed or have a note from your provider. Please check with the testing sites for billing information. Information and guidance about COVID-19 and ways to keep you, your family, and the community safe are available at: Mental Health Resources: COVID-19 updates are available on our website at COVID-19 Updates and Reporting – Washington County Community College (me.edu). We have also set up an email for any members of the college community who may have questions, the email is covid-19@wccc.me.edu. Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester and thank you for all you are doing to keep yourself and others safe and healthy. Thanks, Tyler Stoldt Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services