BCC Covid-19 Policies

Masks

To keep in compliance with COVID-19 Order No. 31: Face Coverings are mandatory, except in cases where an individual requests an accommodation.

Be advised that no one will be allowed to enter a campus building without a face covering. Individuals are urged to wear their own face covering.

Disposable masks are available at the entrances if necessary. Specific campus or lab experience mask protocols must be adhered to, if applicable. Students attending clinicals or co-ops must also adhere to site specific protocols. 

The fit of face coverings should be as follows:

• Fit securely and comfortably against the side of the face;
• Be secured with ties or ear loops;
• Allow for breathing without restriction; and
• Be able to laundered and machine dried without damage or change of shape.

BCC On-Campus Mask Guidelines

BCC's Return to Campus Committee has assembled the following guidelines to answer questions about mask use on campus. (PDF downloads)

• Mask Guidelines
• Mask Etiquette
• Types of Masks
• (Sources)

NO - Your chin needs to be covered	NO - The mask must cover the nose to be effective	NO - Do not wear the mask on your chin	YES - The mask is a close fit, covering the nose, mouth and chin.

Additional information:
 
Students will be held to the BCC Student Conduct Code procedures for any violations. 

Masks will be worn from the time you exit to vehicle to the time you return to your vehicle.

• Mask must be worn entering and exiting buildings
• Masks must be worn while in a class, lab, or common area
• Masks can be removed if you are in an open space and socially distanced more than 6 feet.
• Mask breaks are encouraged.
  • Mask breaks shall be outside in a well-ventilated area.
  • You may remove your mask as long as you are AT LEAST 6 feet from others
  • Best practice for a mask break is 5 to 10 minutes
  • Masks shall be reapplied after break time is finished.

Exceptions for wearing face masks include situations that may inhibit an individual from wearing a face-mask safely. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Those who cannot breathe safely;
• Those who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis, are unable to do so;
• Those communicating with people who rely upon lip-reading;
• Those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe; and
• Those who are exercising outdoors and are able to keep physical distance from others.

Social Distancing

Berkshire Community College Social requires SOCIAL DISTANCING while on campus.

Social distancing is recommended to be no less than 6 feet from each other.

This should be maintained in all areas of the campus.

Signs will be provided as reminders and area markings will be used to demonstrate where and what 6 feet distancing looks like.

Berkshire Community College recommends social distancing between people who are not from your family household indoors and outdoors.

Handwashing

Campus Access

Access to the BCC campus is currently restricted.

All visitors must fill out the Campus Access Request Form at least 24 hours prior to arriving on campus:

Campus Access Request Form

CAMPUS ACCESS POLICY

Berkshire Community College Phase 3 plan for access to the campus will designate specific areas students, staff, and the community may visit.   Those areas are:

• Clinical labs
• Clinical classrooms for nursing
• The Boland Theatre for classroom use
• The library – for a study space and internet access

Access to Berkshire Community College will be allowed only if you are self-monitoring and assessing your wellness to be on campus. 

*If you are not feeling well, PLEASE stay home. 

1. When you are planning a trip to the college please visit our Covid-19 page for the Campus Use Form, https://www.berkshirecc.edu/about-bcc/covid19resources.php
2. The form MUST be filled out prior to your visit to the college.
3. The CAMPUS USE FORM allows us to know who is on campus.  This is important for contact tracing abilities. 
   1. If a Covid-19 case is reported, our ability to contact trace is highest priority.
   2. Attendance on campus would be shared with the local health department.
   3. The local health department and community nurse will notify those who may have been exposed. *
4. Once on campus, you will be required to call campus security for access to the buildings. 
   1. Call Campus Security at 413-236-1010
   2. A prescheduled class will have the doors to the building open.
      1. While on campus read and follow signs regarding masks, social distancing and hand-washing.
5. Please follow traffic flow for each building. 
   1. This helps to limit the passing of individuals.
   2. Aids in establishing cleaning areas
   3. Is valuable if contact tracing were to occur
      1. Once in class or lab please follow safety guidelines posted in each class, hallway, and laboratory.

               *Lead health department will be determined by the town the patient resides.

ACCESS TO CAMPUS – LIBRARY

Revision to STEP 4:

• The LIBRARY will be open from 8am to 4pm.  You do not need to contact security for access.
• A CAPACITY of 75 people at any time may be in the library.  This includes the lower level.
• Berkshire Community College policies for masks, social distancing, and hand-washing will be in affect at all time.
• Cleaning materials will be available for hard surfaces and common touch points. 
• A dedicated maintainer will be cycling through common areas to clean all common touch points.

ACCESS TO CAMPUS – DIGITAL COMMONS

Revision to STEP 4:

• The DIGITAL COMMONS will be open from 8am to 4pm.  You do not need to contact security for access.
• A CAPACITY of 15 people at any time may be in the digital commons. 
  • Please sign in for a work space. 
  • All spaces will be reserved in two-hour increments. 
  • Between the reserved times the area will be deep cleaned.
• Berkshire Community College policies for masks, social distancing, and hand-washing will be in affect at all time.
• Cleaning materials will be available for hard surfaces and common touch points. 
• A dedicated maintainer will be cycling through common areas to clean all common touch points.

Testing

TESTING PROTOCOLS

Berkshire Community College recognizes the need for contact tracing and testing for any individual who may be infected or exposed to an infected COVID-19 person.  

• What will happen if a student or staff member is diagnosed positive for COVID-19? 
• What will happen if someone is exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient, not identified by contact tracing? 
• What to do if you believe you are exposed but have not received a test? 
• What is Berkshire Community College notification process? 
• What are the Non-Symptomatic testing protocols for Berkshire Community College? 
• What is Berkshire Community College Benchmark Testing? 
• What happens if a student/staff becomes ill while on campus or suspects COVID-19? 
• Where are testing Sites in Western MA? 
• General information 

Resources

Berkshire Community College advocates for handwashing, social distancing, and the use of masks to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.  Testing is a key component.  There are many resources available to staff and students who would like access to testing.

1. If you are feeling sick, you may contact your primary care physician and request a test 
2. If you have been exposed to someone who is Covid-19 positive, you may contact your primary to request a test. 
3. If you are contacted by the Community Nurse as part of a contact tracing exercise, you may request a test 
4. If you have been in a large crowd without a mask or social distancing you may contact your primary and request a test 
5. The Community Health Nurse can be reached at Kayla Donnelly-Winters, kwinters@cityofpittsfield.org 
6. If you do not have a primary care doctor to request a test you may call the Berkshire Medical Center Covid-19 help line.  A Covid-19 nurse will help direct your call.   
   1. The number is 855-262-5465 
   2. It is open from 8am to 4:30pm, seven days a week 
7. The Covid Kiosk at Berkshire Health Systems link is https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus

Testing Protocols and Policies

1. If a student or staff member is diagnosed positive for COVID-19: 
   1. The student or staff member will be assisted by their local health department coordinator and community health nurse.   
      1. If reporting on the weekend, the State Health Department would be notified, then local health department, then the local community nurse.   
      2. Local entities will coordinate with Pittsfield Health Department and Community Nurse as Berkshire Community College is located in Pittsfield. 
   2. The Health Department and/or the Community Nurse will assist in contact tracing.   
   3. The college security department will be a resource for contact tracing based on but not limited to: 
      1. What location on campus were visited by the individual being tested, 
      2. Who was in the location at the same time as the person, and after.   
         1. This includes classrooms and common areas. 
   4. Cleaning protocols will be reviewed per these locations and times. 
      1. A log will be reviewed based on what was cleaned and at what time. 
      2. This will help to determine rate and scope of exposure. 
   5. Those exposed and in contact with person will receive testing via the local health department. 
      1. BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION KIOSK CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465 
   6. If testing is ordered you may return to work/school if you receive two (2) negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours; documentation required  
2. Those who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient, not identified by contact tracing
   1. Will be encouraged to call BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION KIOSK CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465. 
      1. The Kiosk will ask about your exposure. 
      2. They can order a test based on your concerns, any comorbidities, and your exposure.  
      3. Or contact your primary physician and request a test. 
   2. If testing is ordered you may return to work/school if you receive two (2) negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours; documentation required  
3. If you believe you are exposed but do not receive a test you must:
   1. Self-quarantine for 14 days or 
   2. Contact your primary physician for testing 
   3. If testing is ordered you may return to work/school if you receive two (2) negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours; documentation required 
4. Notification
   1. Staff: 
      1. Patients have HIPAA rights regarding their medical information. 
      2. Berkshire Community College encourages employees to contact the Human Resource Department regarding their COVID-19 status. 
      3. The Human Resource Department will notify the appropriate departments with no disclosure of the employee. 
      4. Once the College is notified of a positive case the following protocols will be enacted: 
         1. The area will be locked off for 24 hours. 
         2. A deep clean will occur with non-exposed staff members. 
         3. The area will be deemed sanitized and available for use.  
         4.  This process will be recorded in a log to track areas of exposure. 
   2. Students: 
      
      1. 1. Students have HIPAA and FERPA rights regarding their medical information. 
         2. Berkshire Community College encourages Students to contact the Dean of Students or Berkshire Community College Human Resource Department regarding their COVID-19 status. 
         3. The Dean of Students will notify the Human Resource Department who will notify the appropriate departments with no disclosure of the student’s name. 
         4. Once the College is notified of a positive case the following protocols will be enacted: 
            1. The area will be locked off for 24 hours. 
            2. A deep clean will occur with non-exposed staff members. 
            3. The area will be deemed sanitized and available for use.  
            4. This process will be recorded in a log to track areas of exposure. 
   3. Demographic information: 
      1. Testing will be in conjunction with local health department. 
      2. Berkshire Community College will provide demographics such as: 
         1.     name,  
         2.     date of birth,  
         3.     full address,  
         4.     gender,  
         5.     race,  
         6.     ethnicity,  
         7.     primary language,  
         8.     occupation and  
         9. disability status 
5. NON-SYMPTOMATIC Testing protocols for Berkshire Community College: 
   
   1. Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and Berkshire Health Systems to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.   
      1. “The CDC's interim guidance to colleges on testing recommends testing of symptomatic students and employees and those who have known or suspected contact with an infected individual. The CDC does not recommend testing upon students' re-entry to campus, which many universities are doing, saying it is "unknown if entry testing in IHEs provides any additional reduction in person-to-person transmission of the virus beyond what would be expected with implementation of other infection preventive measures." 
         
         The agency makes no recommendation in regard to broad surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and staff over the course of a term, though it notes institutions may consider this strategy in areas with moderate to substantial community transmission "to identify outbreaks and inform control measures." 
      2. Community Number Benchmarks: 
         1. White less than 5 cases for entire community over the past 14 days 
         2. Green less than 4 cases per daily average per 100,000 population 
         3. Yellow between 4-8 cases per daily average per 100,000 population 
         4. Red 8 or more cases per daily average per 100,000 population 
   2. Stages
      1. Stage 1:  On-site testing will not be applicable based on low community numbers, less than 5 cases per community.   
      2. Stage 2:  A person on campus is positive for Covid-19.  That would trigger a reaction of tracing, isolation of area, and testing by Health Department.  Depending on need and exposure, guided by Health Department and State, testing on site could/may occur. 
         1. Stage 2A:  Community numbers increase to a benchmark that causes a community change color to yellow per DHE map coding or Health Department deemed necessary.  Testing could/may be initiated on campus OR campus could revert to Phase II. 
6. Benchmark Testing: 
   1. Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and an established vendor to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.   
      
      1. The testing day will be determined by the heaviest concentration on campus based on staff and students class schedules.  
      2. That day, for example, is the first Monday of each month.  Berkshire Community College will then test a random sample of 20% of the daily census. 
         
         For example:   
         • 100 staff and students are on campus on the first Monday of each month.  15 individuals will be tested.   
         • The percentage will be determined by the ratio of staff to student. 
         • Tests will be conducted on a volunteer basis.   
         • A notice will go out 24 hours before the determined sample day to request volunteers for testing. 
         • It will be a first come first serve based on receipt of email to testingcv19@berkshirecc.edu.  
      3. Testing will be provided by a service partnership with a local vendor. 
         1. County Ambulance will conduct a baseline testing the second week of the fall semester. 
         2. A nurse or physician will be on sight to administer the testing.   
      4. The cost per test will be absorbed by the College via Cares Act funds.
7. What happens if a student/staff member becomes ill while on campus and suspects COVID-19? 
   1. If a student or staff member becomes ill while on campus and suspects COVID-19 that student or staff member will be assisted by the security department.  Patient will be isolated in a separate area. 
      1. The student or staff member will be encouraged to call their primary physician and/or BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVISUS INFORMATION KIOSK CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465. 
      2. The individual will leave the campus immediately.   
         1. If no mode of transportation is available the patient will wait in the isolated area until a ride is available.   
         2. If a ride is not available the college will work to provide a safe way home for the individual. 
   2. If it is determined the patient is COVID-19 positive the steps outlined above will be triggered. 
8. TESTING SITES IN WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS: (https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus)

Site Name	Address	City	Phone Number	Drive Through	Accepts MassHealth	Tests Children
Fairview Hospital	10 Maple Ave, Gt Barrington, MA 01230	Great Barrington	855-262-5465	Yes	Yes	Yes
MedExpress Urgent Care Hadley	424 Russell St, Hadley, MA 01035	Hadley	413-253-0483	No	Yes	Yes
CVS Holyoke - Minute Clinic	250 Whiting Farms Rd, Holyoke, MA, 01040	Holyoke		Yes	Yes	No
Holyoke Medical Center	575 Beech St, Holyoke, MA, 01040	Holyoke	413-534-2500	No	Yes	Yes
Cooley Dickinson Drive Thru Testing	30 Locust St, Northampton, MA 01060	Northampton	617-724-7000	Yes	Yes	No
CVS Northampton - Minute Clinic	366 King St, Northampton, MA 01060	Northampton		Yes	Yes	No
Berkshire Medical Center	725 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201	Pittsfield	413-447-2000	Yes	Yes	Yes
CVS Pittsfield - Minute Clinic	107 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201	Pittsfield		Yes	Yes	No
MedExpress Urgent Care Pittsfield	999 Dalton Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201	Pittsfield	413-448-6231	Yes	Yes	Yes
CVS Southwick - Minute Clinic	215 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077	Southwick		Yes	Yes	No
Baystate Brightwood Health Center	380 Plainfield St, Springfield, MA 01107	Springfield	413-795-8378	Yes	Yes	Yes
Baystate Medical Center	759 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01199	Springfield	413-795-8378	No	Yes	Yes
Baystate Springfield Carew St. Testing Center	298 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104	Springfield	413-795-8378	Yes	Yes	Yes
Baystate Springfield High St. Testing Center	140 High St, Springfield, MA 01105	Springfield	413-795-8378	Yes	Yes	Yes
CVS Springfield - Minute Clinic	770 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119	Springfield		Yes	Yes	No
Family Care Medical Center	1515 Allen St, Springfield, MA 01118	Springfield	413-783-9114	Yes	Yes	No
MedExpress Urgent Care Springfield Boston Rd	1312 Boston Rd, Springfield, MA 01119	Springfield	413-782-0784	No	Yes	Yes
MedExpress Urgent Care Springfield Cooley St	430 Cooley St, Springfield, MA 01128	Springfield	413-782-0320	No	Yes	Yes
AFC Urgent Care West Springfield	18 Union St, West Springfield, MA 01089	West Springfield Town	413-207-9289	Yes	Yes	No
CVS West Springfield - Minute Clinic	928 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089	West Springfield Town		Yes	Yes	No
Baystate Noble Hospital	115 W Silver St, Westfield, MA 01085	Westfield	413-795-8378	No	Yes	Yes
Baystate Union St. Testing Center	57 Union St, Westfield, MA 01085	Westfield	413-795-8378	Yes	Yes	Yes
MedExpress Urgent Care Westfield	311 East Main St, Westfield, MA 01085	Westfield	413-562-0482	No	Yes	Yes

         

Berkshire Community College policies and procedures of self-monitoring, wellness check, mask wearing, hand washing, social distancing, disinfecting, duration on campus, and sanitizing are key components in preventing the spread of the virus.

Self-monitoring requires staff and students to check their temperature, assess any symptoms they may have, and cross check those with a great degree of adherence to safety first.  If you are unsure of your wellness, stay home.

Wellness check requires staff and students to continually assess how they are feeling throughout the day.  If they begin to develop symptoms they need to err on the side of caution and go home.  They should leave campus immediately.

Mask wearing helps to prevent the spread of the virus.  The campus has a mask wearing policy and procedure.  You must wear a mask on campus at all time unless you are able to adequately social distance.

Hand-washing is key to preventing the spread of Covid-19.  Soap and water kill the virus.  Make sure to use soap and wash your hands at least for 20 seconds. 

Social distancing is another key prevention for the spread of the virus.  Individuals must be at LEAST six feet apart in each direction from one another.  

Disinfecting all hard surfaces, desktops, door knobs, hand rails, hand handles, and all high traffic touch points must be disinfected and wash on a regular basis.  ‘Regular’ means after every high use incident, change in occupant, and time in area.  Also, a deep clean will occur as needed.

Duration on campus is limited and will be kept to a minimum.  We do not anticipate students staying more than four hours at a time in any given day. This limited access of time will help to control any spread or exposure to the virus.

Sanitizing with a solution of 60% alcohol or higher is the accepted practice at Berkshire Community College.

Travel Restriction

COVID-19 Travel Order

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to help us keep transmission levels as low as possible.

• Upon re-entering Massachusetts, travelers must fill out a Massachusetts Travel Form.
• Failure to comply and fill out this form may result in a $500 fine
• You must quarantine for 14 days unless you are traveling from a low risk state
• Or, you can produce a negative Covid-19 test performed within 72 hours PRIOR to your arrival in MA.

Low risk states are:

• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Maine
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• Maine
• New York
• New Mexico
• Vermont

Individuals traveling to Massachusetts on August 01, 2020 and after must quarantine for 14 days UNLESS they are:

• Traveling from a low risk state
• Within the 72-hour testing rule
• Transitory travel
• Persons commuting to school or work
• Patients seeking or receiving medical treatment
• Military personnel
• Workers providing critical infrastructure services

For more information visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

revised 9/12/2020

Self-monitoring and Wellness

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What happens if I am sick?

Stay Home – Stay Safe!

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

How to Self-quarantine and Self-isolate

If you are not sick but are:

• a close contact to someone diagnosed with COVID-19, or
• recently returned from any travel outside Massachusetts,

please take these steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Self-quarantine:

Separate yourself from others in case you get sick

1. Stay at home and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
2. Do your best to stay at least 6 feet away from other people in the house.
3. Do not leave your house to go to school, work or run errands.
4. Do not have any visitors to your house during this time.
5. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
6. Do not share eating or drinking utensils with anybody.
7. Monitor your health every day.
8. If you need to seek routine medical care call ahead to your doctor and tell them you are under COVID-19 quarantine.
9. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares to get to your appointment.

Monitor your health every day:

Perform health checks every morning and every night, or anytime you feel like you might have a fever

• Take your temperature
• Be alert for any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them your symptoms and that you are being monitored for COVID-19.

How to determine your last day of exposure:

Your last day of exposure is:

• The last time you were within 6 ft of someone confirmed to have COVID-19, or
• The day you arrived home after travel

If you do not show signs of COVID-19 for 14 days after the last time you were exposed, your self-quarantine period is finished.

If you:

• get sick during self-quarantine, or
• are sick and a healthcare provider tests you for COVID-19, or
• are told by a healthcare provider that you have COVID-19,

take these steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Self-isolation:

Separate yourself from others to keep your germs from spreading

1. If you get sick with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other signs of respiratory illness, call your healthcare provider and tell them if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
2. If you need see your healthcare provider, do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares to get to your appointment.
3. Stay at home and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
4. Stay at least 6 feet away from other people in the house.
5. Do not leave your house to go to school, work or run errands.
6. Do not have any visitors to your house during this time.
7. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
8. Do not share eating or drinking utensils with anybody.
   1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
   2. Clean surfaces that you touch every day with a household disinfectant.
   3. Make a list of everyone you have been close to (within 6 feet of for at least 15 minutes), since you first got sick. Those people have been exposed to COVID-19 and should be asked to self-quarantine. 

If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them your symptoms and that you have, or may have, COVID-19. How long do you need to isolate?  For most people who have relatively mild illness, you will need to stay in self-isolation for at least 7 days. You can resume public activities once you have:

• gone for three days without a fever (and without taking fever-reducing medications like Tylenol), and
• experienced improvement in your other symptoms (for example, your cough has gotten much better)
  
  

More information about how to self-isolate is available on the CDC website. If you have questions about isolation or quarantine, you can call your Local Board of Health or the Department of Public Health’s On-call Epidemiologists at 617-983-6800.

 

*Section provided by local health department

Cleaning Protocols

ESTABLISHED CLEANING PROTOCOLS:

Berkshire Community College is dedicated to ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing protocols.  BCC will provide regular santization of high touch areas, such as workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, and restrooms throughout the campus.

• Cleaning/sanitizing of electronics and personal space is the responsibility of each employee.
• All food and drinks will be removed at the end of the work day. No food trash will be left in work space.
• Daily routine sanitization schedules are:
  • Classrooms/Labs: at least once a day
  • Bathrooms: Three times a day
  • Common spaces: Twice a day
  • High touch point areas and horizontal surfaces: Dedicated maintainer, throughout the day
• Between classes, if faculty deems it necessary, they can call/email facilities and maintenance staff will apply sanitizer spray.

CLEANING AND SANITIZING:

Glossary

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free Covid-19 testing?

Stop the Spread is a FREE testing service.  The program has been extended to September 12, 2020.  The closest locations to Berkshire County are Agawam and Springfield.  ANYONE can be tested, adult or child.  You do not need to live in the community.

Here is the link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread

Is Berkshire Community College open?

Yes, BCC is open but it is the NEW NORMAL OPEN.  We are open to educate students, but the delivery of education has been adjusted to meet the safety protocols set forth by the MA Department of Labor, CDC, and the Governor’s office. 

Will Plexiglass be installed in high traffic areas (library, Digital Commons, Students Engagement, etc.)  Yes

 

How will we manage students that may “hang out” in the SBA Lounge or Connector? 

At this time during Phase 3 we are asking that students come to class and leave once finished. If you need to stay for a particular reason, designated areas will be provided and marked. We will require you to wear a mask and socially distance according to our policies and best practices.

Will all doors be unlocked in September?

Yes, we are open to educate our students. There will be some areas unavailable to staff and students to help mitigate flow and the spread of Covid-19.

Will work study resume? 

Yes, opportunities to participate in a work study will be available however they will be created to meet the ‘new normal’ policies and procedures at Berkshire Community College.

What evening hours, if any, should the library/digital commons be open, both physically and remotely? 

The Library will be open from the hours of 8am to 4pm. 

The Digital Commons will be open from 8am to 4pm.

Is there a location for students to wait if deemed sick or not feeling well? 

Yes, we have established a policy and best practice for isolating sick students if they must remain on campus for any amount of time.  However, if you are not feeling well we request you do not come to campus.  Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

What happens if I don’t wear on mask on campus?

• If you do not wear a mask on campus you will be violating the campus policy for mask wearing. 
• You will be asked to leave campus and retrieve your mask. 
• If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with a mask. 
• If you refuse to wear a mask you will be asked to leave campus by campus security or faculty.

What happens if I don’t wear a mask to class?

• If you arrive to class and have forgotten your mask you will be asked to return to your vehicle to retrieve it. 
• If you do not have a mask or your mask has become damaged/soiled/unwearable, we will provide you with a mask.
• If you refuse to wear a mask you will be violating the campus policy for mask wearing.
• You will be asked to leave the class. 
• You may go to security for an explanation of the policy or reach out to your Dean. 
• If you refuse to leave, faculty reserve the right to contact campus security and/or your dean for consult.

Why are bathrooms single use?

Bathrooms are single use to minimize the traffic in a single enclosed area. Please wash your hands EVERY time you use the facilities. Be aware of high touch points like door knobs, door handles, faucet handles, and paper towel holder. We recommend after use of facilities to spray the area with sanitizer provided, wash your hands, leave the area, and then hand sanitizer. 

Bathrooms are on a cleaning cycle of three times a day. High use areas may require more attention. 

 

 

Important Contact Information

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE	413-499-4660
BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SECURITY	413-236-1010
PITTSFIELD HEALTH DEPARTMENT	413-499-9411
BERKSHIRE MEDICAL CENTER	413-447-2000
COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE	855-BMC-LINK (855-262-5465)
United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
MA COVID RESOURCE PAGE