Jenzabar University

1/14/2022

Neosho County Community College: NCCC Announces Masks Required in Indoor Spaces

Official Statement from NCCC President, Dr. Brian Inbody

Due to increasing active positive cases of COVID-19 in our service area NCCC is changing its mask requirement to Masks Required in Indoor Spaces effective 12 noon January 14^th, 2022.  Previously masks were required only in labs and classrooms, however beginning at noon they are required in all indoor spaces including at indoor sporting events, hallways, and offices. 

It is important to note that the overall level of the college remains the same at Level Four. Only the masking requirements change.  Level Four allows for, among other items, travel by employees and students, visitors to campus, and fan attendance at sporting events.  This decision to require masks in all indoor areas will be reviewed weekly by the Core Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Level Four Guides, Spring Semester Guides, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), COVID reporting e-forms, and other resources are available on the college website at https://www.neosho.edu/COVID19News.

Current Chanute Campus Level:  Level Four
Current Ottawa Campus Level:  Level Four
View a PDF of the college's entire Level plans

Spring 2022 Guide for Neosho Panthers

Chanute Area Contact Information
Ottawa Area Contact Information

Students and employees are asked to continue to pay attention to email and notifications for updates.

COVID Protocol FAQs

Updated 01-07-2022

• Do I have to wear a mask on campus?
  • It depends. Beginning Saturday, October 2, 2021 masks are optional indoors except in classrooms and labs. This mask decision will be reviewed frequently. Masks are not required while eating. Additionally, masks are not required outdoors.
• Masks with Valves?
  • Per CDC guidelines, masks with breathable valves are not recommended.
• Is social distancing still required on campus?
  • Social distancing is recommended where possible, but not required. This is both for indoors and outdoors.
• Will I be asked to self-isolate after exposure to COVID-19 if I am fully vaccinated?
  • If you are exposed to a known positive and are considered fully vaccinated, you are exempt from self-isolating as long as you are asymptomatic. If you have any questions about your specific scenario, please submit a COVID reporting form.
• What does fully vaccinated mean?

• As of January 4, 2022, individuals are considered fully vaccinated if any of the  following apply:

• • • Vaccinated and Boosted
    • Completed the primary series of the Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
    • Completed the primary series of the Pfizer vaccine within the last 6 months
    • Completed the primary series of the J & J vaccine within the last 2 months
• When can I return to campus after self-isolating or testing positive?
  • NCCC follows the isolation guidance from CDC, KDHE, and the local health departments; however you should work with your local health department to determine this answer for you.
• Under what conditions will I be self-isolated?
  • NCCC follows the isolation guidance from CDC, KDHE, and the local health departments; however you should work with your local health department to determine this answer for you.
• Where can I self-isolate?
  • If you are a resident hall student, we prefer that you self-isolate at home, however for those unable to do so, special accommodations may be arranged for you on campus.
• What does asymptomatic mean?
  • This means “without symptoms”.  With COVID, it is possible to test positive and spread the infection to others without having active symptoms.
• How does COVID spread?
  • Per CDC transmission information, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks (CDC).  Please refer to CDC’s website for more information.
• What if I test positive or know someone who has tested positive?
  • Please review your next steps in the Spring Guide for Neosho Panthers.
• Can we go home for the weekend or travel out of town?
  • The college has no restrictions on student’s personal travel.  Some college programs or activities may have specific restrictions.
• How do I get tested?
  • Contact your local health provider or county health department for information associated with testing. 
• How do I get vaccinated?
  • Vaccination resources are available; however, you may wish to consult with your medical professional before being vaccinated.
• If I am notified during a face-to-face class that I need to self-isolate, what do I do?
  • Please leave class immediately with minimal disruption and contact your instructor electronically as soon as possible with the dates of your self-isolation.
• If I have recovered from COVID-19 do I have to self-isolate if I am exposed again?
  • Follow the recommendations of your health provider and/or county health official.  Per CDC guidelines, the college is not requiring self-isolation for those who are within ninety days of recovering from COVID-19 or from being fully vaccinated.
• If I have recovered from COVID-19 or have been fully vaccinated, do I have to participate in random COVID testing in the residence halls?
  • If you are within ninety days of recovering from COVID-19 or being fully vaccinated, you will not be selected to participate in random COVID testing.
• Can I eat around other people or in public areas?
  • This is up to your discretion.  Having your mask off while eating increases the chance of exposure to the Coronavirus.  If you are not vaccinated, you may consider avoiding others while eating. 

• Is the college limiting travel?

• • No; however, when traveling for the college, please check the KDHE Travel Guidelines. You may be required to isolate upon return, if traveling to a hotspot as determined by KDHE. Travelers and supervisors should check the KDHE Travel Guidelines the day before travel is scheduled and again upon return.

• Can I wear a face shield instead of a mask?

• • The CDC does not recommend the use of face shields. Students wishing to seek an accommodation for the mask requirement should follow the regular accommodations process by contacting either Kerrie Coomes or Dr. Marie Gardner. Employees seeking an accommodation for the mask requirement should contact Human Resources. The accommodations process requires a letter or documentation from a medical professional.

• Are we required to follow NCCC mask rules while on a NCCC-sponsored trip?

• • Yes. While traveling, groups need to follow NCCC rules, unless the college rules are less stringent than those of the destination. For instance, if the college is “mask optional” and the destination is “mask required,” NCCC groups should comply with the mask requirement. Conversely, if the college is “mask required” and the destination is “mask optional,” NCCC groups should comply with the NCCC mask requirement.

If you have questions that you’d like to see answered here, please submit them to COVID-19@neosho.edu.