Employees and students are required to adhere to the below preventive personal safety practices in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Face coverings:

Appropriate use of face coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others around you; however, the face covering is not a substitute for social distancing. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you are not feeling sick as some infected persons never experience symptoms.

11.16.2020 Face Covering Update:

In response to the Bell County Public Health District’s recent change of the COVID-19 threat level to Level 2 – Significant Uncontrolled Community Transmission and the increase in COVID-19 cases in Texas, effective immediately and until further notice, students are required to wear masks at all times while on campus. Students must continue to practice social distancing; however, masks are mandatory even when individuals are six feet apart. Remember, to be effective, masks must cover both the nose and mouth at all times. Your mask protects others and their mask protects you. 

To be effective, masks must cover both your nose and mouth at all times. Your mask protects others and their mask protects you. A face shield allowed, but only when worn in conjunction with a mask. 

Please note the following recommendations for proper use and care of face coverings:

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling the face covering.
• Ensure the face covering fits over the nose and under the chin.
• Avoid touching the front of the face covering.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the face covering and wash your hands immediately after removing.

Workplace Protective Barriers:

To provide additional protection in areas that require face-to-face service to students and the public, the college is installing plexiglass dividers to maintain social distancing.

Social distancing:

Maintaining adequate space between you and others is one of the most effective ways to avoid being exposed to and/or spreading COVID-19. Public health officials recommend that individuals remain at least six feet apart at all times, do not gather in groups where social distancing cannot be maintained, and avoid crowded places and mass gatherings.

Handwashing:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. See Handwashing video.    

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands after touching your face.

Coughing/sneezing hygiene:

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately discard the tissues in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or if soap and water are not available, use sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. See Cover Cough or Sneeze video.