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Coronavirus Information

Penn Highlands Community College is committed to protecting the health and well-being of the students, employees, and visitors to the College community. Since the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, please regularly check back here for updates and information. When making updates to the College’s health and safety plan, the College refers to the recommendations of the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

MASKS

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is currently mask optional. Masks are optional for all employees, students, and visitors inside all public areas of Penn Highlands’ buildings regardless of vaccination status. Please be respectful to each other and give each other space when it is desired.

We understand that the situation with COVID transmission and guidance can change quickly. While we hope that we do not have to return to requiring masks, we may have to do that if the guidance or transmission levels change. If that does occur, we will send another update. (Last Updated: 3/4/22)

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are proven to be a safe, effective way of protecting others from COVID-19. We therefore strongly encourage all employees and students to receive the vaccine to protect the college community.

People are only considered fully vaccinated under the following conditions:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

ADDITIONAL MITIGATION EFFORTS

Effective May 31, 2021, Pennsylvania COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., social distancing and reduced room capacities) were lifted. Please remember that there are varying levels of sensitivity and concern within our community related to Covid-19. We ask that you continue to try and have a Zoom option for meetings and give each other space when it is desired.

As a reminder, if you exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 please stay home, seek medical care, and inform your instructor or supervisor.

What if I test positive for COVID-19?

  • If you are exposed or test positive, please follow the CDC guidelines for your unique situation.
  • Seek guidance from a health care professional if you have questions about vaccinations or if are unsure about your requirements to isolate or quarantine.

Reducing the Risk of Infection

  • Wash your hands frequently! For handwashing guidelines, click here.
  • Use an effective (60-95% alcohol) hand sanitizer in-between hand washes.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or tissue (not your hands).
  • Avoid sharing cups, utensils, water bottles, and other personal items.
  • Avoid personal contact and those who are sick.

What if I get sick?

  • Monitor your symptoms and compare them to the lists provided below.
  • Stay home! While we appreciate the dedication of our students, faculty, and region, we want you to get well and we want to prevent the spread of illness.
  • Report possible exposure or illness to an instructor or supervisor.
  • Seek medical guidance. Remember that you can use telemedicine, available through many health insurance companies, for a virtual visit with a physician.

COVID Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that patients with a confirmed COVID-19 infection have had a wide range of symptoms reported (ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness). Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • fever or chills
  • cough
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • fatigue
  • muscle or body aches
  • headache
  • new loss of taste or smell
  • sore throat
  • congestion or runny nose
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea

Omicron Variant: According to the CDC, the Omicron variant will likely spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. How easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms. More data is needed to know if Omicron infections, and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated, cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.

Delta Variant: According to the CDC, the Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of the virus that spreads COVID-19. Some data suggest the Delta variant might cause more severe illness than previous variants in unvaccinated people. Fully vaccinated people with Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others; however, vaccinated people appear to spread the virus for a shorter time. 

Influenza: The CDC reports that Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

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