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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Update: March 21, 2024

Palm Beach State College would like to advise you that on March 1, 2024, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance and updated recommendations which brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19. 

In addition, there are more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. 

According to the CDC “we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”

*As part of the guidance, the CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:

  • Stay home when you are sick!
  • Staying up to date with vaccinations to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
  • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
  • Isolation (if you have a respiratory illness) - The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.
  • Quarantine (if you have been exposed to someone with a known respiratory illness) the CDC recommendation is that you no longer need to quarantine.
  • Your Mask Your Choice - Palm Beach State College does not mandate the wearing of masks on its college campuses. The choice to wear a mask is left up to the individual.

 

Sick Leave and Compensation
Employees who become sick due to COVID-19 should remain home and utilize their sick or paid personal time if available. The College does not provide paid time off specifically for COVID-19.  Keep your supervisor informed of your status and notify them prior to your physical return to the workplace.

 

Student Protocol
If you are sick, stay home and work with your instructor or professor regarding any assignments that may be due while you are ill. Your instructor/professor will follow the protocol outlined in their syllabus regarding absences. Ensure you follow the CDC guidelines in accordance with your specific situation to mitigate spread and promote wellness.

 

Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol
The College has implemented a Healthy Building program that includes:

  • Air Conditioning Run Times Set to Maintain Healthy Temperatures and Humidity
  • Enhanced Filtration Maintained at Recommended Levels
  • Supplemental In-Room HEPA Filtration Units On and Maintained
  • Hi-Touch Surface Daily Disinfection at all public spaces and classrooms.

Office work surfaces are disinfected twice a week. Create a work order in the portal to request extra cleaning after a COVID-19 infection.  For in office HEPA filtration units, please contact HR to request accommodation prior to filling out a work order.

 

* Information taken directly from CDC webpage: CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

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