To help us all be empowered to take action in case of a positive COVID diagnosis, here are some FAQs to reference:
In the case of a future positive COVID diagnosis:
Q: Employees will be contacted by Linn County Health Services if they were in close contact with a person who tested positively. What does "close contact" mean?
A: "Close contact" means you were in the presence of the person, standing six feet apart, and wearing a mask, for more than 15 minutes. If you were not wearing a mask, any length of time is considered "close contact."
Q: If "close contact" includes people who were wearing a mask but were within 6 feet of the individual for more than 15 minutes, why is it important to wear a mask?
A: Besides protecting yourself and others from getting sick (and complying with LBCC's strict guidelines), this is important because our classroom desks are placed 6 feet apart. That means if everyone in the classroom is wearing a mask at all times, there is a much greater chance that we won't have to quarantine everyone in the classroom and can continue operating the class.
Q: If I was determined to be within close contact of an individual who tested positively for the virus, when can I expect to be contacted by Linn County Health Services (LCHS)?
A: LCHS will attempt to contact you within 48 hours after learning of the positive diagnosis.
Q: What should I do if a student I know tests positive for Coronavirus?
- Do two things:
Contact the Office of Finance and Operations at sparksc@linnbenton.edu, or call 541-917-4330 right away. Timeliness is important: as soon as you know for certain, please reach out so we can get information to the LCHS. - Encourage the student to reach out to the Center for Accessibility Resources (CFAR) to explore options for continuing their studies while quarantining.
Q: What should I do if I, or an employee I work with, tests positive for Coronavirus?
Do two things:
- Contact the Office of Finance and Operations at sparksc@linnbenton.edu, or call 541-917-4330 right away. Complete confidentiality will be maintained, and timeliness is important: as soon as you know for certain, please reach out so we can get information to the LCHS.
- Affected employees are encouraged to reach out to HR Manager, Deana Culbertson Human Resources to explore options related to continuing work while quarantining, or assessing Family Medical Leave.
If you have further questions, contact Jennifer Boehmer privately. Jennifer will work with the Executive Team to respond to your questions, and to add further information to these FAQs.