COVID-19 FAQs (Fall 2020)
Are there any special requirements for me to return this fall?
For all students, we advise you to do these things before you return:
You can read move-in guidelines for all students here.
- If possible, self-quarantine before you leave for campus. Fourteen days is best, but we know not everyone can do this.
- Wear a face covering every time you leave your home.
- Follow all of the basic CDC health guidelines - wash your hands, social distance, wear face coverings, and avoid large social gatherings.
You can read move-in guidelines for all students here.
What do I do if I’m sick when it’s time to return to campus?
If you are feeling sick, please delay leaving home. Rest. Get better. Contact studentdevelopment@york.edu to let us know you have been delayed. If your return is extended but you are able to begin class work from home, we can work with you. Your communication with us will be key.
Are there any other steps I can take to help?
The CDC is asking everyone to consider getting a flu shot this fall. They are forecasting that this flu season could be severe and reducing the number of people who are sick with the flu, will ensure there are enough hospital beds if the number of COVID-19 cases increases later this year.
Will I have to quarantine when I arrive on campus?
If you are arriving to campus from anywhere in the United States, no, you do not need to quarantine. However, if you are an international student arriving in the United States, yes, you will need to quarantine for a minimum of 14 days before you are able to attend any events, classes, practices, or shared spaces on campus. The CDC says that during this 14-day period, you should take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing. Use this temperature log to monitor your temperature.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
It’s important to know some of the language we use in regards to COVID-19.
When a person tests positive with COVID-19, they are considered a case and must be put into isolation. Isolation separates people who test positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick.
When a person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 while they were contagious, they are considered a contact and must be put into quarantine. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick.
Four Corners Health Department and the Office of Student Development will work together to perform contact tracing to determine who must isolate or quarantine. The length of time a person must isolate or quarantine may vary based on the recommendation of the local health department.
When a person tests positive with COVID-19, they are considered a case and must be put into isolation. Isolation separates people who test positive for COVID-19 from people who are not sick.
When a person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 while they were contagious, they are considered a contact and must be put into quarantine. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick.
Four Corners Health Department and the Office of Student Development will work together to perform contact tracing to determine who must isolate or quarantine. The length of time a person must isolate or quarantine may vary based on the recommendation of the local health department.
How much will face coverings be required on campus?
You will be asked to wear a face covering anytime you are in a public area including classes, chapel, student activities, lobbies, hallways, offices, bathrooms. You are not required to wear a face covering in the privacy of your own bedroom.
Really Important: We will follow all isolation and quarantine protocols as directed by Four Corners Health Department. If you are with another person who is diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be asked to self-quarantine. Your need for quarantine significantly lowers if you and that person are following the face covering guidelines.
Really Important: We will follow all isolation and quarantine protocols as directed by Four Corners Health Department. If you are with another person who is diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be asked to self-quarantine. Your need for quarantine significantly lowers if you and that person are following the face covering guidelines.
Why are we being asked to wear face coverings?
Mostly, wearing face coverings is about showing concern for others in our community. For most of us, it is inconvenient and can be uncomfortable.
We love our community at York College! The plan is for us to remain in seated classes on campus until Thanksgiving. We have to work together to make that happen. Based on recommendations from the CDC and our local health department, we are asking all faculty, staff, and students to wear face coverings. This may be the best precaution we can take to ensure we remain in seated classes as planned. More and more we are learning that face coverings protect both the one who wears the covering and the ones they are around. Some members of our YC community have compromised immune systems. Wearing a face covering is a very tangible way we can work to take care of one another this school year. Panthers take care of Panthers!
We love our community at York College! The plan is for us to remain in seated classes on campus until Thanksgiving. We have to work together to make that happen. Based on recommendations from the CDC and our local health department, we are asking all faculty, staff, and students to wear face coverings. This may be the best precaution we can take to ensure we remain in seated classes as planned. More and more we are learning that face coverings protect both the one who wears the covering and the ones they are around. Some members of our YC community have compromised immune systems. Wearing a face covering is a very tangible way we can work to take care of one another this school year. Panthers take care of Panthers!
What do I do if I cannot wear a face covering for health reasons?
You will need documentation from your health care provider to opt out of the face covering guidelines. We do understand that some students, as well as faculty and staff, should not wear a face covering, but it is essential for you to self-identify with studentdevelopment@york.edu if this is the case for you.
How will I get my meals?
The Caf will be set up to encourage social distancing. Major changes for the fall include:
- Grab-Go options which can be taken outside or to your room/apartment.
- We will encourage you to use to-go containers and will have more available ($5.00 deposit required) this fall.
- There will not be self-service lines. All food and utensils will be handed to you by cafeteria staff members.
- The salad bar will be available, but someone will make your salad for you.
- All condiments will be pre-packaged.
- Seating in the dining area will be reduced.
- During good weather, dining outdoors will be encouraged.
- You will be able to remove your face covering while eating, but should put your face covering on after you finish your meal, and while moving around the Caf.
- Meals will be delivered to students who are self-isolating and self-quarantining.
- We understand and agree that these are inconvenient protocols, and look forward to a time when we can relax these restrictions.
What will classes look like?
Your classes will meet in the largest classroom possible during the hour it is scheduled. The larger class size will allow for as much social distancing as possible. Face coverings will be required for students. As needed, faculty will prepare a recorded class experience for those who must be absent due to diagnosed COVID-19 cases or those who must self-quarantine because of exposure to someone who is sick. As needed, to protect everyone, class structure may be adapted to assure every student gets the content they need to successfully complete their coursework.
What sanitation precautions will be added to campus?
York College is dedicated to the health and safety of all our faculty, staff, and students. In light of COVID-19, we will increase sanitation across campus, especially high-touch and well-trafficked areas. Classrooms will be sanitized daily and will be equipped with supplies students may use for individual sanitization between classes. The cafeteria staff will frequently sanitize tables. In the meantime, there will always be sanitizing spray available to allow individuals to clean their area as they feel comfortable. All entrances to buildings will have hand sanitizing stations. Many buildings on campus will have modified entrances and exits to maximize one-way traffic as much as possible.
Are we having chapel?
Yes. Our daily time from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. will be preserved for chapel. For the fall semester, students will sign up to attend chapel two days a week. Chapel will be held in its regular location, the Campbell Activity Center. As soon as conditions allow, we will return to a daily chapel format.
The two-days-per-week rule will allow everyone to practice social distancing during our time together. For those days when you are not in the formal chapel setting, we encourage you to use this as a quiet time for prayer and reflection.
Students will sign up for either a Monday-Wednesday chapel attendance or a Tuesday-Thursday chapel attendance schedule. Watch your York College email for a Google Form where you will be able to select your preferred days.
The two-days-per-week rule will allow everyone to practice social distancing during our time together. For those days when you are not in the formal chapel setting, we encourage you to use this as a quiet time for prayer and reflection.
Students will sign up for either a Monday-Wednesday chapel attendance or a Tuesday-Thursday chapel attendance schedule. Watch your York College email for a Google Form where you will be able to select your preferred days.
How and when will COVID-19 screenings happen?
All students will be required to download the free #CampusClear app on their smartphone or other smart device and register using their york.edu email address. Students will be required to monitor and log any symptoms they may experience. Student Development will provide all students with one digital oral thermometer in order to track daily temperatures. If students are symptom-free, the app will give them a fast pass that will allow them to enter all campus events, classes, the Caf, etc. Students will not get a fast pass if they are experiencing symptoms or are not regularly self-monitoring with the #CampusClear app. If at any point you feel sick, please contact your Resident Director or studentdevelopment@york.edu immediately for further assessment.
If you are on a sports team, partial screenings will happen at the beginning of each official team function; ie; practice, study hall. Screenings will include, at minimum, taking each student’s temperature with a high quality campus-provided thermometer. If students declare any symptoms of illness, then they should be reported to the head coach to be excused from that team activity.
If you are on a sports team, partial screenings will happen at the beginning of each official team function; ie; practice, study hall. Screenings will include, at minimum, taking each student’s temperature with a high quality campus-provided thermometer. If students declare any symptoms of illness, then they should be reported to the head coach to be excused from that team activity.
How and when will COVID-19 testing be done?
The college will require testing as needed depending on the current status on campus. Selected testing will be done for students as they arrive to campus. You will be informed either shortly before or upon arrival to campus if you will need to be tested and given instructions about how to get the testing done. If you need to be tested, the test may be administered on campus or by one of the local health care facilities.
Testing is done nationally in a variety of forms and the college at this time has access to 2 forms of testing. The first is antigen testing which can be done on campus. Antigen testing provides the result the same day it is administered. The second option is commonly known as the PCR test, which is offered through a program called “Test Nebraska.” While the PCR test is regarded as the most accurate form of testing, results frequently take multiple days to receive.
If you are on a fall sports team, it is possible you will be tested multiple times during the fall semester and likely as a means to provide clearance to compete in intercollegiate contests.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can be tested at our local medical institutions, including York Medical Clinic, York General Hospital or Urgent Care of York. Free COVID-19 testing is offered through Test Nebraska. Go to testnebraska.com and click “Start Now” to take an assessment and sign up for a testing appointment slot. If you need assistance making these arrangements or getting to the testing site, contact your resident hall director.
Testing is done nationally in a variety of forms and the college at this time has access to 2 forms of testing. The first is antigen testing which can be done on campus. Antigen testing provides the result the same day it is administered. The second option is commonly known as the PCR test, which is offered through a program called “Test Nebraska.” While the PCR test is regarded as the most accurate form of testing, results frequently take multiple days to receive.
If you are on a fall sports team, it is possible you will be tested multiple times during the fall semester and likely as a means to provide clearance to compete in intercollegiate contests.
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you can be tested at our local medical institutions, including York Medical Clinic, York General Hospital or Urgent Care of York. Free COVID-19 testing is offered through Test Nebraska. Go to testnebraska.com and click “Start Now” to take an assessment and sign up for a testing appointment slot. If you need assistance making these arrangements or getting to the testing site, contact your resident hall director.
Is it okay for me to travel off campus during the fall semester?
For the fall 2020 semester, we discourage travel outside of York. If you must travel, please take precautions while doing so in order to avoid bringing COVID-19 back to campus.
Our relationship with the City of York is highly valuable to us. We ask that you follow our YC community standards, including wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequently washing your hands when you are off-campus as well as on campus. It is one way we can communicate to them that we are working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
Our relationship with the City of York is highly valuable to us. We ask that you follow our YC community standards, including wearing a mask, social distancing, and frequently washing your hands when you are off-campus as well as on campus. It is one way we can communicate to them that we are working together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
With all the guidelines in place, will it be a normal school year?
Our goal is for all the precautions to become a routine part of our daily life so our energies can be focused on our mission to help you prepare for service to God, family and society. Your compliance with these guidelines is important, as is your readiness for new experiences and opportunities that will challenge your mind and soul. We believe this can be a great year and we are excited that you will be part of it. Welcome to York College.
Go Panthers!
Go Panthers!