COVID-19

Thank you for supporting a safe and healthy learning and working environment for all members of the SCC family.  

As we move into the next phase of advocating for the health of employees and students, we want to emphasize:

If you are sick, please stay home.

Call your doctor or clinic for medical advice.

We continue to follow CDC guidance for COVID positive tests, illness and exposures. 

We want you to be healthy enough to focus on classwork and job assignments.  Please stay home when you are sick and follow these steps:

1.   Contact your doctor for medical advice and treatment. Whether it's the flu, allergies, COVID or something else – your doctor is best able to advise you.

2.   If you exhibit ANY single symptom that could be COVID please, stay home and take a test immediately.

3.   If you have tested positive for COVID, have COVID symptoms (even if you have tested negative), or have a known exposure please contact your doctor for guidance and treatment.

Click on this CDC website link for additional COVID isolation guidance.

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SCC is a mask-friendly environment. If you prefer to wear a mask in any situation or all situations, please do so. When returning to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next five days such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.

If you want to get the COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your local health department (following are links to the ones in our service area):

• Jackson County Department of Public Health
• Macon County Department of Public Health
• Swain County Department of Public Health
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - Public Health & Human Services

If any COVID-19 questions or concerns arise throughout this semester, please feel free to contact our COVID-19 Response Team committee chair Lisa Sizemore (l_sizemore@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4280) or Megan Nicholson, our Emergency Services/Safety Coordinator (m_nicholson@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4621).

Can I still come to class or work if I have tested positive?

No, please contact your doctor for medical advice and treatment.  You may obtain additional isolation guidance from the CDC at this link. You will need to isolate for 5 days followed by mask wearing for an additional 5 days.

I tested positive yesterday, but I feel better today. Can I come to class or work?

No, please contact your doctor for medical advice and treatment.  You may obtain additional isolation guidance from the CDC at this link. You will need to isolate for 5 days, followed by mask wearing for an additional 5 days.

I have been exposed to a known positive case, should I stay home?

Not necessarily.  Please contact your doctor for guidance. If you are asymptomatic you may need to wear a mask, monitor your symptoms, and test within a few days.  Please review the CDC guidance for exposure. 

I don’t have any at-home tests. What are my options?

There are several sources for free at-home tests.

Check NCDHHS site for testing options and free testing sources

Free tests may be available through these sources for at-home tests

Your insurance may cover the purchase of test kits from your pharmacy.

I can’t find a place to test.

Check with your doctor, Urgent Care, or pharmacy for testing.

Visit NCDHHS site for testing options and testing sources

I have a question about getting an initial vaccine or a booster.

To obtain a vaccine or booster you can contact your local pharmacy or health department.  Links for Health Departments in our area are located on this page under Vaccines and Boosters.

Will my instructor count the absence against me?

Your instructor communicates the class attendance policy at the beginning of each semester.  Please review this information and discuss absences with your instructor.

I am an employee and think I am out of sick leave.  How can I stay home?

If you are sick, you need to stay home to prevent spreading COVID or any other contagious disease.  Please contact your supervisor or Human Resources to review your sick leave availability or other leave options.

I need a mask.

Please ask your instructor or supervisor for masks and other PPE.  Supplies are available throughout campus.

If you have any other COVID-19 questions or concerns, please contact Megan Nicholson at m_nicholson@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4621.