Student COVID-19 On-campus Protocols
If you are feeling sick, it is important that you stay home.
Face coverings strongly encouraged in all indoor areas, including classrooms, and social distancing required while on campus.
Given the rise in cases of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, it is an important reminder that the pandemic is not over. Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and the entire Maricopa Community Colleges District (MCCCD) will continue to enforce our established safety protocols. These include the requirement for all individuals — faculty, staff, students, and visitors — to practice social distancing and to monitor your health and remain home when ill.
FACE COVERINGS
The CDC recommends wearing three-layer (surgical) face coverings as they provide the best level of protection. Initial scientific findings indicate the Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, and three-layered masks (such as surgical masks) are the best option to protect against the Omicron variant.
VACCINE AND BOOSTERS
EMCC strongly encourages members of our community who are able to do so to receive the vaccine and follow-up booster. We are committed to remaining in-person and open for in-person services to support our students and community. The vaccine and adherence to our established safety protocols provide the best protection for us all.
COVID-19 TESTING
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to get tested to stop the spread of the virus. COVID-19 drive-thru testing, operated by Embry Health, is available onsite at EMCC in the Lot H parking lot on the north end of campus. Enter on Sage Lane/Estrella Mountain Community College north entrance and follow the signs to Lot H. You remain in your car to get tested. To set an appointment for drive-thru COVID-19 testing, visit https://go.estrellamountain.edu/COVIDTesting
New Isolation and Quarantine Protocols based on CDC’s latest update:
Individuals with COVID-like Symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19: (Regardless of Vaccine Status)
Isolate yourself for a minimum of 5 days and monitor your symptoms. You are able to return to in-person classes/work when all 4 of the following CDC criteria have been met:
- At least 5 days since symptoms first appeared and
- At least 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medication and
- Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving or have completely resolved (and no new symptoms appear) and
- Continue to wear a mask/face covering around others for 5 additional days after isolation is discontinued.
Potential Exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual:
If you are asymptomatic and any of the following scenarios apply to your situation: |
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| Completed the two-dose vaccine series for either Pfizer or Moderna within 6 months of your potential exposure or | You do not need to quarantine, but you must wear a mask around others for 10 days. ** |
| Completed the primary series of the J&J vaccine within the last 2 months from your potential exposure or | |
| You have had any of the booster shots or | |
| You have recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months of your potential exposure. | |
If you are asymptomatic and any of the following scenarios apply to your situation: |
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| Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted or | Stay home for 7 days from the date of your last exposure. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days. ** |
| Completed the primary series of the J&J vaccine over 2 months ago and are not boosted or | |
| Are unvaccinated or | |
| Have not recovered from COVID-19 within 3 months of your potential exposure. | |
** If you develop COVID-19 like symptoms or test positive during your quarantine, regardless of your vaccine status, you must isolate and immediately complete the online form Report Symptoms or Confirmed Case.
COVID-19 Symptoms
| Fever or chills | Cough | Diarrhea | Difficulty breathing |
| Fatigue | Muscle or body aches | Headache | Loss of taste or smell |
| Sore throat | Congestion/runny nose | Nausea/Vomiting | Shortness of breath |
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.