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Safe College Plan, Spring Semester 2022 COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies and Approach

South Central College is committed to providing a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We are all responsible for implementing this plan. Our goal is to mitigate and minimize the potential for transmission of COVID-19 on our campuses and that requires the full cooperation of all. Only through a cooperative effort, can we maintain safe of our campuses.

While South Central College holds as paramount the safety of every member of its community, the college cannot guarantee a COVID-19-free environment.  Unfortunately, the risk of COVID-19 exposure exists in all public places where people are present.

Campus leaders, supervisors, employees and students are responsible for implementing and complying with all aspects of this Plan and have the college’s full support in enforcing the provisions of this policy. 

We will continue to monitor changes in guidance and in case transmission that may affect our operations this spring.

COVID-19 Mitigation Measures

Face Coverings

SCC will follow the updated CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals resulted in our requiring face coverings in indoor public areas when the county-level indicators, for Rice County for Faribault Campus and Nicollet County for the North Mankato Campus, from the CDC indicate “substantial” or “high” levels of transmission.

We will review the CDC data each Wednesday to determine the level of county transmission. If the Wednesday reporting indicates the county level transmission in Nicollet County or Rice County is "substantial" or "high," we will initiate plans to implement a mask requirement effective the following Monday.

Once cases begin to decline, a mask requirement may be lifted if those county indicators are in the "low" or "moderate" transmission level for 14 consecutive days.
As of August 16, 2021

  • Face Coverings:   Face Masks will continue to be required for all individuals at all times while on campus in a public space. 
  • Neck Gators and Bandanas will not be allowed to be used as face coverings (per MDH Guidance for Types of masks
  • Wear masks with two or more layers of tightly woven fabric. Face coverings made of thinner, loosely woven, or single-layer fabric such as certain types of masks, scarves, neck gaiters, or bandannas are not as effective for blocking droplets that come out when speaking, coughing, or sneezing, and should only be used if nothing else is available. If you wear a scarf or neck gaiter for warmth, also wear a mask underneath it.
  • Any masks that incorporate a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh masks, or masks with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are NOT sufficient face coverings because they allow droplets to be released from the mask.
  • Masks may be removed if in a private workspace and to eat/drink
  • Masks may be removed to provide instruction or a presentation, as long as the individual remains at least 6’ away from all others.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

SCC will follow the CDC recommendations and cleaning once a day will be completed as this is usually sufficient to remove the virus that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility.   In the event of a confirmed COVID-19 case, those areas will be cleaned prior to re-use of the spaces.

Distancing

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends maintaining “some extra spacing between people”   SCC is working to maintain 3’- 6’ of distance when possible in classroom settings; and recommends everyone work to social distance to the extent possible.    

Promoting and Encouraging Vaccinations

All employees are subject to the COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination and Testing Policy 1444 which will be administered by Human Resources.

All students are encouraged to be vaccinated.    The single most effective strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19 and avoiding the need for restrictions, is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.   

The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated, and to get a booster shot as soon as you are eligible.    CDC is now recommending that children 12-15 years old get a booster shot. This means everyone age 12 and older should now get a booster when they are due. Visit MN COVID-19 Response: Vaccine Booster Shots to read more about boosters. If you’re eligible for a booster now, visit MN COVID-19 Response: Find Vaccine Locations to search for vaccine providers near you.  

We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective, especially at preventing serious illness and death. Evidence shows booster shots, given at the appropriate time after your primary vaccination series, help extend the protection and keep it at a higher level. Watch this video What are COVID-19 booster shots? to learn more about how boosters help keep us safe and healthy. 

Where to get a Vaccine:

Nicollet County Public Health Info:

  • Nicollet County Health and Human Services will offer regular walk-in vaccine clinics in January to make it easier for people ages five and up to get vaccinated. First, second, and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines will be offered at the St. Peter HHS building (622 South Front Street) from 1 to 5 pm on Thursdays, January 6 through January 27. No appointment is necessary and vaccine is free. Details on vaccine eligibility can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • https://www.co.nicollet.mn.us/809/COVID-19-Vaccine

Rice County Public Health Info:         

Upcoming Rice County COVID Vaccination Clinics:

Wednesday, January 12th

PFIZER- 5 years old and older. First, Second, Booster* Dose and Additional Doses for Immunocompromised**. (If receiving subsequent vaccinations after the first dose, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card so staff can update it.) 

  • Link to register: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//appointment/en/reg/1802951609
  • Date: Wednesday, January 12th
  • Time: 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Rice County Government Services Building - 320 NW 3rd Street, Faribault. Use South Entrance. 
  • If you need assistance to register for this clinic, please call:  507-333-3818,  507-332-5922, 507-332-5928, 507-332-5911

Thursday, January 13th

MODERNA- 18 years old and older. First, Second, Booster* Dose and Additional Doses for Immunocompromised**. (If receiving subsequent vaccinations after the first dose, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card so staff can update it.) 

  • Link to register: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//appointment/en/reg/8962157750
  • Date: Thursday, January 13th
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Rice County Government Services Building - 320 NW 3rd Street, Faribault. Use South Entrance. 
  • If you need assistance to register for this clinic, please call:  507-333-3818,  507-332-5922, 507-332-5928, 507-332-5911

Wednesday, January 26th

PFIZER- 5 years old and older. First, Second, Booster* Dose and Additional Doses for Immunocompromised**. (If receiving subsequent vaccinations after the first dose, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card so staff can update it.) 

  • Link to register: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//appointment/en/reg/9252801677
  • Date: Wednesday, January 26th
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Rice County Government Services Building - 320 NW 3rd Street, Faribault. Use South Entrance. 
  • If you need assistance to register for this clinic, please call:  507-333-3818,  507-332-5922, 507-332-5928, 507-332-5911

Thursday, January 27th

MODERNA- 18 years old and older. First, Second, Booster* Dose and Additional Doses for Immunocompromised**. (If receiving subsequent vaccinations after the first dose, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card so staff can update it.) 

  • Link to register: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//appointment/en/reg/1625977880
  • Date: Thursday, January 27th
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Rice County Government Services Building - 320 NW 3rd Street, Faribault. Use South Entrance. 
  • If you need assistance to register for this clinic, please call:  507-333-3818,  507-332-5922, 507-332-5928, 507-332-5911

Thursday, February 3rd

PFIZER- 5 years old and older. First, Second, Booster* Dose and Additional Doses for Immunocompromised**. (If receiving subsequent vaccinations after the first dose, please bring your COVID-19 vaccination card so staff can update it.)

  • Link to register: https://prepmod.health.state.mn.us//appointment/en/reg/0864251989
  • Date: Thursday, February 3rd
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Northfield Community Education Center, 700 Lincoln Pkwy, Northfield
  • If you need assistance to register for this clinic, please call:  507-333-3818,  507-332-5922, 507-332-5928, 507-332-5911

General Appointment Information:

  • Accessibility accommodations are available. 
  • Appointments are encouraged, however walk-in's allowed if adequate vaccine supplies.
  • Rice County Public Health is vaccinating with Moderna,  Pfizer and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines. Check specifics above on which vaccines are offered at specific clinics. 
  • Insurance information is asked for on registration form and is appreciated, if available.  Public Health may bill insurance for an administrative fee, however there is no direct cost to an individual whether they have insurance or not. You do NOT need to upload your insurance card. 
  • Rice County Public Health Facebook page has consistent updates and announcements. Please consider following us for informative and factual information. Link for Rice County Public Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiceCountyPublicHealth/

Blue Earth County Public Health Info

State of Minnesota Info:

Looking for a vaccination clinic near you?  

Check Minnesota's Vaccine Finder webpage: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp.

MN Dept of Health and CDC Resources:

COVID-19 Contact and Reporting of COVID-19 Cases

Positive Covid Test Procedure for Notification

Students and Employees who test positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus are required to immediately notify South Central College at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..    Please include the following information:

  • Date of exposure (if known)
  • Date of positive test and location of test
  • Vaccination status
  • List of close contacts (less than 6 feet for more than 15 minutes on campus in the last 14 days) and contact information for those individuals, if known
  • Location(s) on campus in the last 14 days
  • Contact Information

SCC Staff and/or Local Public Health will be in contact with those testing positive.  Information sent to this email will be considered confidential.

  • SCC Students:
    • Contact your faculty members to inform them that you will not be attending class
    • Work with your instructors regarding any absences due to illness, based on their established processes. For an illness lasting more than two weeks, feel free to Disability Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (507) 389-7339 for assistance.
  • SCC Employees:
    • Contact your supervisor
    • Contact Human Resources about appropriate leave as needed

Students who are unable to attend class or employees who are unable to be at work because they are sick or experiencing symptoms should stay home if they are sick and:

  • SCC Students:
    • Contact your faculty members to inform them that you will not be attending class
    • Work with your instructors regarding any absences due to illness, based on their established processes. For an illness lasting more than two weeks, feel free to Disability Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (507) 389-7339 for assistance.
  • SCC Employees:
    • Contact your supervisor
    • Contact Human Resources about appropriate leave as needed

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have COVID-19 Symptoms (per MDH Guidance)

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/close.html

If you are not fully vaccinated and have close contact with someone with COVID-19, the safest option is to stay home and away from others for 14 days. In certain situations, you may end your quarantine after 10 days, or after seven days with a negative COVID-19 test result.

If you have close contact with someone who has had a positive COVID-19 test (regardless of whether a test occurs at a clinic, testing site, at home, or at another setting), follow the appropriate guidance below.

If you are not fully vaccinated

  • Stay home and away from others (quarantine) and wear a mask if other people are around.
  • Get tested immediately. If the test is negative, test again five to seven days after the last time you were close to the person with COVID-19. If you are considering a shortened quarantine period of seven days, your second test must be at least five full days after your last exposure. You should also follow the list of considerations below (Under certain conditions and a negative COVID-19 test: 7-day quarantine).
  • Watch for symptoms for 14 days. If you start to have any symptoms, get tested again right away.
  • If you test positive or start to have symptoms, follow the recommendations on If You Are Sick or Test Positive.
  • For more information on when to get vaccinated, refer to the "If you have had recent close contact or mild illness" section on About COVID-19 Vaccine.

If you are fully vaccinated

  • Get tested five to seven days after exposure.
  • Wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days following exposure or until you receive a negative test result.
  • Consider wearing a mask at home for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result if you live with someone who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease, or unvaccinated.
  • You do not need to quarantine if you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19. You should watch for symptoms for 14 days.
  • If you start to have any symptoms, stay home and away from others immediately (isolate), get tested again, and follow other recommendations at If You Are Sick or Test Positive.
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