Archived COVID Policies
This page shows COVID policies that are no longer current. For current policies, please see the COVID Policies Page.
2022 Archives
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BCC COVID Policy and Information Archives
Handwashing Policy
Berkshire Community College requires handwashing as a safety measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Berkshire Community College believes proper hygiene protocols like hand washing are a key component to virus spread prevention.
Additional information per the CDC:
Wash your hands often.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after
you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
It's especially important to wash:
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After leaving a public place
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling your cloth face covering
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone sick
- After touching animals or pets
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
New Hire Policy
COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:
Candidates for employment should be aware that all Berkshire Community College students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated by January, 2022. Accordingly, initial employment is dependent upon receipt and verification of full vaccination status records; details of how to fulfill vaccine record verification requirements will be provided during the hire and onboarding process.Reopening Campus
Download Reopening Campus (PDF)
Student Pledge
Committee Rosters
In mid-March, staff and faculty members from all across BCC rapidly adjusted their own schedules and formed the Continuation of Operations Committee and the Academic Student Affairs Committee to expertly re-imagine how we all teach, learn and work together. Building on their efforts, our Return to Campus Committee has come together to safely and effectively coordinate ongoing work across the campus, and far beyond.
Berkshire Community College is profoundly grateful for all of the staff and faculty on the committees that have guided and informed our decision-making. Their selfless efforts have been a welcome source of knowledge, clarity and purpose for us all.
BCC COOP-ASA Committee
The Continuation of Operations Committee and the Academic Student Affairs Committee have lead the College's efforts regarding class schedules, course formats, remote learning, faculty professional development, and the myriad other crucial aspects of delivering a high quality education to our students.
BCC gratefully recognizes,
- Adam Klepetar
- Andrea Robare
- Celia Norcross
- Ellen Shanahan
- Frank Schikor
- Gina Foley
- Jonah Sykes
- Laura Saldarini
- Lauren Goodman
- Laurie Gordy
- Lori Moon
- Richard Felver
BCC Return to Campus Committee
The Return to Campus Committee has taken the lead on practical concerns around returning to campus, determining needs and policies for campus access, mask use, cleaning and sanitizing, and many more often overlooked aspects of our shared lives.
BCC gratefully recognizes,
- Adam Emerson
- Jeff Dupuis
- Kim Brookman
- Laura Saldarini
- Frank Schickor
- Chiristina Wynn
- Arlen Rauschkolb
- Ellis Richardson
- Cara Borelli
- Joshua Costa
- Mitchell Saviski
- Shami Qazi
- Andrea Wadsworth
- Alicia Ginsberg
Vaccine Requirement Employee FAQ (updated Oct. 18, 2021)
Massachusetts Community Colleges COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Updated as of October 18, 2021Are COVID-19 vaccines required at the community colleges?
Effective January 2022, Massachusetts Community College students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit verification of their fully vaccinated status to the College absent an approved reasonable accommodation. The Colleges will be providing information to employees about the verification process following impact bargaining with applicable unions. If they have not already done so, the colleges will be providing information to students as to how to submit verification in the upcoming weeks.
Why are vaccines being required at the community colleges?
With the number of new cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth in unvaccinated populations, the increased access and availability of vaccines in the Commonwealth, the Food and Drug Administration's full and pending approval of available vaccines, and consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the COVID-19 vaccine has been proven to be extremely safe and highly effective at preventing infection, severe disease, hospitalization, and death, the Massachusetts Community College Presidents determined that COVID-19 vaccines should be required.
What are the vaccine requirements for students?
Students who are only taking online courses, whether full or part-time, credit or non-credit, and who will not access campus for any reason, such as instruction, advising, and/or other purposes are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All other students whether full or part-time, credit or non-credit, are required to be fully vaccinated, including:
- Students with any on-campus component to their schedule;
- Students who seek to access any on-campus services; and
- Students who are required by program or activity to be vaccinated as a condition of participation (e.g. athletics, clinical placements).
What is the definition of fully vaccinated?
The community colleges use the CDC's definition of full vaccination status, which currently provides that "[i]n general, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine."
Any changes in the CDC's definition of full vaccination status, including but not limited to booster shots, will be incorporated by reference into the community colleges' requirement.
Where can vaccines be obtained?
Many of the community colleges are hosting vaccine clinics on their campuses so check their websites for dates and times. Additional resources for accessing a COVID-19 vaccine include:
Vaxfinder COVID-19 Mobile Vaccine Program Additional Vaccine Resources
What alternatives are available to students who are unable to be fully vaccinated?
Students who are unable to be fully vaccinated may take online courses and utilize services remotely. Students may also request a reasonable accommodation and the College will engage in an interactive process consistent with applicable laws and college policy to determine if eligible for a reasonable accommodation, and if so, whether the requested accommodation is reasonable and does not create an undue burden or direct threat to health or safety. In the event a reasonable accommodation is approved, Students may be subject to additional health and safety protocols and/or be excluded from campus and/or college activities including but not limited to travel for the protection of health or safety, as determined by the College in consideration of local, state, and/or or federal laws and public health guidance and/or mandates.
The colleges will be communicating the process for requesting a reasonable accommodation related to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement in the coming weeks.
Is the vaccine required for those who have already recovered from COVID-19?
Yes. According to the CDC, full vaccination is recommended for those who have had COVID-19 because research has not yet shown how long COVID-19 protects those from getting COVID-19 again and vaccination helps protect those who have already had COVID-19.
Updates from Sept. 21, 2021 (isolation edits as of Jan. 4, 2022)
Question 1 – I was in close proximity with someone who was a primary contact of a COVID positive person:
- You are not considered a primary contact unless you are directly exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID. That means that you were personally with that individual within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes.
- You do not need to quarantine.
Question 2 – I was exposed to someone who is COVID positive:
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are fully vaccinated: you are not required to quarantine following an exposure.However, you should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If you experience symptoms, isolate yourself from others, seek testing, and contact your healthcare provider.
- Were you within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of the positive person?
- If no, you are not considered a primary contact as long as you were not within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer
- If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are unvaccinated: you must quarantine following an exposure.
- If 10 days after your exposure you have no symptoms, you can end quarantine.
- You can end your quarantine after 7 days if you get tested and are negative for the virus. Testing should occur on or after the 5th day from exposure.
Question 3 – I tested positive for COVID:
- What was the date of the test?
- Were you symptomatic? If so, when did symptoms begin?
- You must quarantine 10 days from the positive COVID test or,
- You must quarantine 10 days from the onset of symptoms
- Were you asymptomatic, or did you not show any symptoms after your positive test?
- If you don't show any symptoms after your positive test, you may end you quarantine isolation after five days (as of January 2022).
- You do not need to be retested as the virus may show up in your system for 90 days after exposure (you will not test negative)
The general rule is:
If you do not feel well for any reason, stay off campus.
COVID Vaccination:
- If you received both doses of the vaccine for COVID and the series was completed over one week ago, you no longer have to quarantine for an exposure unless you become symptomatic.
References:
Further Reading and Resources
- ADVISORY REGARDING FACE COVERINGS AND CLOTH MASKS
- MEMO: Berkshire Health Systems will require all employees, caregivers, contractors, volunteers and students working and learning within our health system be fully vaccinated by Oct. 1, 2021.
- COVID-19 isolation and quarantine information
- Sample Flowchart of what to do if you are exposed to someone with symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after
you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
It's especially important to wash:
2020 – 2021 Archives
Masks
Update, 8/18/2021Effective August 18, 2021, Masks are required in all indoor spaces at BCC.
This applies to any vaccination status.
Update, 6/4/2021:
The COOP group met on Tuesday June 01, 2021 to discuss the impact of MA Public Health
COVID-19 guideline changes as of May 29th. The COOP group made a recommendation to
the President's cabinet that BCC adopt the new guidelines. The President's cabinet
discussed this with the President in attendance. All supported the recommendation.
What does that mean? This means BCC will no longer mandate wearing a mask on the campus. Mask wearing will be encouraged and supported but not mandated. This also includes social distancing. We encourage you to socially distance, but it is not mandated.
We will continue to remind the campus of the benefits of handwashing and disinfecting
areas we visit. We will slowly change the messaging on campus to preventive management.
We encourage patience, acceptance, and kindness for those who are apprehensive about removing their mask and social distance. Please practice kindness and allow each other the space we need to manage through this part of the pandemic.
We will continue to monitor COVID numbers in the county, state, and Pittsfield. If a need arises to revise this guidance and/or recommendation it will be communicated to everyone.
Here is a link to the most current MA guidelines: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-updates-and-information
Note: as of June 4, 2021, this policy has been revised and is no longer current or enforced. See above for details of the updated policy.
Original Content, 8/20/2020:To keep in compliance with COVID-19 Order No. 31: Face Coverings are mandatory, except
in cases where an individual requests an accommodation.
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)
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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 must be worn from the time you exit to vehicle to the time you return to your
vehicle.
- Masks 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 are suggested to 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
Update, 6/4/2021:Berkshire Community College Social suggests* 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.
* As of 6/4/2021, social distancing is suggested but no longer mandatory
Handwashing
Berkshire Community College Policies and Best Practices
HANDWASHING
Berkshire Community College requires handwashing as a safety measure to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
Berkshire Community College believes proper hygiene protocols like hand washing are a key component to virus spread prevention.
Additional information:
Per CDC website:
Wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- It's especially important to wash:
- Before eating or preparing food
- Before touching your face
- After using the restroom
- After leaving a public place
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling your cloth face covering
- After changing a diaper
- After caring for someone sick
- After touching animals or pets
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Campus Access
Update: August, 2021
Access to the BCC campus is currently open.
Visitors are encouraged to maintain social distance; mask use is mandatory indoors.
Testing
TESTING PROTOCOLSBerkshire 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
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.
- If you are feeling sick, you may contact your primary care physician and request a test
- If you have been exposed to someone who is Covid-19 positive, you may contact your primary to request a test.
- If you are contacted by the Community Nurse as part of a contact tracing exercise, you may request a test
- If you have been in a large crowd without a mask or social distancing you may contact your primary and request a test
- The Community Health Nurse can be reached at Kayla Donnelly-Winters, kwinters@cityofpittsfield.org
- 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.
- The number is 855-262-5465
- It is open from 8am to 4:30pm, seven days a week
- The Covid Kiosk at Berkshire Health Systems link is https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/coronavirus
- If a student or staff member is diagnosed positive for COVID-19:
- The student or staff member will be assisted by their local health department coordinator
and community health nurse.
- If reporting on the weekend, the State Health Department would be notified, then local health department, then the local community nurse.
- Local entities will coordinate with Pittsfield Health Department and Community Nurse as Berkshire Community College is located in Pittsfield.
- The Health Department and/or the Community Nurse will assist in contact tracing.
- The college security department will be a resource for contact tracing based on but
not limited to:
- What location on campus were visited by the individual being tested,
- Who was in the location at the same time as the person, and after.
- This includes classrooms and common areas.
- Cleaning protocols will be reviewed per these locations and times.
- A log will be reviewed based on what was cleaned and at what time.
- This will help to determine rate and scope of exposure.
- Those exposed and in contact with person will receive testing via the local health
department.
- BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION KIOSK CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465
- 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
- The student or staff member will be assisted by their local health department coordinator
and community health nurse.
- Those who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 patient, not identified by contact tracing
- Will be encouraged to call BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION KIOSK
CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465.
- The Kiosk will ask about your exposure.
- They can order a test based on your concerns, any comorbidities, and your exposure.
- Or contact your primary physician and request a test.
- 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
- Will be encouraged to call BERKSHIRE HEALTH SYSTEMS CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION KIOSK
CALL 855-BMC-LINK, OR 855-262-5465.
- If you believe you are exposed but do not receive a test you must:
- Self-quarantine for 14 days or
- Contact your primary physician for testing
- 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
- Notification
- Staff:
- Patients have HIPAA rights regarding their medical information.
- Berkshire Community College encourages employees to contact the Human Resource Department regarding their COVID-19 status.
- The Human Resource Department will notify the appropriate departments with no disclosure of the employee.
- Once the College is notified of a positive case the following protocols will be enacted:
- The area will be locked off for 24 hours.
- A deep clean will occur with non-exposed staff members.
- The area will be deemed sanitized and available for use.
- This process will be recorded in a log to track areas of exposure.
- Students:
-
- Students have HIPAA and FERPA rights regarding their medical information.
- Berkshire Community College encourages Students to contact the Dean of Students or Berkshire Community College Human Resource Department regarding their COVID-19 status.
- The Dean of Students will notify the Human Resource Department who will notify the appropriate departments with no disclosure of the student’s name.
- Once the College is notified of a positive case the following protocols will be enacted:
- The area will be locked off for 24 hours.
- A deep clean will occur with non-exposed staff members.
- The area will be deemed sanitized and available for use.
- This process will be recorded in a log to track areas of exposure.
-
- Demographic information:
- Testing will be in conjunction with local health department.
- Berkshire Community College will provide demographics such as:
- name,
- date of birth,
- full address,
- gender,
- race,
- ethnicity,
- primary language,
- occupation and
- disability status
- Staff:
- NON-SYMPTOMATIC Testing protocols for Berkshire Community College:
- Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and Berkshire
Health Systems to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.
- “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." - Community Number Benchmarks:
- White less than 5 cases for entire community over the past 14 days
- Green less than 4 cases per daily average per 100,000 population
- Yellow between 4-8 cases per daily average per 100,000 population
- Red 8 or more cases per daily average per 100,000 population
- “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."
- Stages
- Stage 1: On-site testing will not be applicable based on low community numbers, less than 5 cases per community.
- 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.
- 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.
- Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and Berkshire
Health Systems to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.
- Benchmark Testing:
- Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and an established
vendor to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.
- The testing day will be determined by the heaviest concentration on campus based on staff and students class schedules.
- 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.
- Testing will be provided by a service partnership with a local vendor.
- County Ambulance will conduct a baseline testing the second week of the fall semester.
- A nurse or physician will be on sight to administer the testing.
- The cost per test will be absorbed by the College via Cares Act funds.
- Berkshire Community College will partner with the Local Board of Health and an established
vendor to offer testing once every thirty days on campus.
- What happens if a student/staff member becomes ill while on campus and suspects COVID-19?
- 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.
- 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.
- The individual will leave the campus immediately.
- If no mode of transportation is available the patient will wait in the isolated area until a ride is available.
- If a ride is not available the college will work to provide a safe way home for the individual.
- If it is determined the patient is COVID-19 positive the steps outlined above will be triggered.
- 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.
- 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
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
- Stay at home and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
- Do your best to stay at least 6 feet away from other people in the house.
- Do not leave your house to go to school, work or run errands.
- Do not have any visitors to your house during this time.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not share eating or drinking utensils with anybody.
- Monitor your health every day.
- If you need to seek routine medical care call ahead to your doctor and tell them you are under COVID-19 quarantine.
- 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
- 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.
- If you need see your healthcare provider, do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares to get to your appointment.
- Stay at home and use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from other people in the house.
- Do not leave your house to go to school, work or run errands.
- Do not have any visitors to your house during this time.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Do not share eating or drinking utensils with anybody.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean surfaces that you touch every day with a household disinfectant.
- 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.
- 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)
*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:
- Cleaning/sanitizing protocols will be place and maintained
- All HVAC equipment will operate under strict 100% outside fresh air intake, 100% exhaust of stale indoor air and exhaust fans will run during operational hours
- Installed MERV 13 filters to provide maximum safety and prevention of airborne pathogens.
- Periodic check of air filters will be performed
- Physical and digital signage reminding people of frequent and effective hand washing
will be commonly visible at specific use areas like bathrooms across campus.
- Sanitizing will be available for classrooms/labs upon request.
- Cleaning/sanitizing supplies will be provided to all employees by submitting a request to their supervisor.
- Sanitizing spray bottles will be located inside each bathroom.
- Hot water and microbial soap will be available in all restrooms.
- Hand sanitizers will be available across campus.
- Small bottles of hand sanitizers will be acquired from the facilities office by submitting a request to their supervisor.
Glossary
GLOSSARY:- Face to Face courses – courses that meet in person at a scheduled time and location.
- Fixed courses – courses that meet synchronously at a scheduled time.
- Hybrid course – some of the course has a fixed meeting time and some of the course can be done asynchronously.
- Hybrid Split – lectures are like labs, rest of course is asynchronous – students register for “Discussion Section”
- Flexible courses – courses that meet asynchronously and can be complete with flexibility.
- Live/real-time – a term to be used for students for synchronous learning.
- Remote – a location for a course that is delivered synchronously.
-
VPN – Virtual Private Networking allows your computer to behave as though it is physically located on BCC campus from anywhere. Access the shared drive, print to BCC printers on campus, and accessing Colleague are the primary uses, not needed by everyone.
-
ConnectWise Remote Control – Used by IT and a few others to remote control BCC computers to provide support.
-
Digital Commons – Student support focused, also provides basic student technology services. Location: Library
-
Quat 64 sanitizer – A disinfectant is a multi-purpose disinfectant cleaner designed for use in hospital, institutional and health- care settings that kills HIV-1 (AIDS Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) Herpes Simplex Type 1 & 2 Virus and a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1 – I was in close proximity with someone who was a primary contact of a Covid positive person:
- You are not considered a primary contact unless you are directly exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid. That means that you were personally with that individual within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes.
- You do not need to quarantine.
Question 2 – I was exposed to someone who is COVID positive:
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are fully vaccinated: you are not required to quarantine following an exposure. However, you should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If you experience symptoms, isolate yourself from others, seek testing, and contact your healthcare provider.
- Were you within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of the positive person?
- If no, you are not considered a primary contact as long as you were not within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer
- If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are unvaccinated: you must quarantine following an exposure.
- If 10 days after your exposure you have no symptoms, you can end quarantine.
- You can end your quarantine after 7 days if you get tested and are negative for the virus. Testing should occur on or after the 5th day from exposure.
Question 3 – I tested positive for Covid:
- What was the date of the test?
- Were you symptomatic? If so, when did symptoms begin?
- You must quarantine 10 days from the positive Covid test or,
- You must quarantine 10 days from the onset of symptoms
- You may return to campus after 10 days of quarantine as long as you do not feel ill
- You do not need to be retested as the virus may show up in your system for 90 days after exposure (you will not test negative)
The general rule is:
If you do not feel well for any reason, stay off campus.
Covid Vaccination:
- If you received both doses of the vaccine for Covid and the series was completed over one week ago, you no longer have to quarantine for an exposure unless you become symptomatic.
References:
- Exposure -https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-information
- Vaccine - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fvaccine-benefits%2Ffacts.html
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Key Points from the CDC
The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings. For related information for healthcare settings, visit Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination.
Fully vaccinated people can:
- Participate in many of the activities that they did before the pandemic; for some of these activities, they may choose to wear a mask.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel and from self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
- Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible.
Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. To reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others: CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 get tested 3-5 days after the date of your exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
About the Delta Variant: Vaccines continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus that cause COVID-19, including this variant. Vaccines are highly effective against severe illness, but the Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about variants in the US.
People who are immunocompromised should be counseled about the potential for reduced immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines and to follow current prevention measures (including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they don’t live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces) regardless of their vaccination status to protect themselves against COVID-19 until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
Question 1 – I was in close proximity with someone who was a primary contact of a Covid positive person:
- You are not considered a primary contact unless you are directly exposed to someone who has tested positive for Covid. That means that you were personally with that individual within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes.
- You do not need to quarantine.
Question 2 – I was exposed to someone who is COVID positive:
If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are fully vaccinated: you are not required to quarantine following an exposure. However, you should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If you experience symptoms, isolate yourself from others, seek testing, and contact your healthcare provider.
- Were you within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more of the positive person?
- If no, you are not considered a primary contact as long as you were not within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer
- If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 and you are unvaccinated: you must quarantine following an exposure.
- If 10 days after your exposure you have no symptoms, you can end quarantine.
- You can end your quarantine after 7 days if you get tested and are negative for the virus. Testing should occur on or after the 5th day from exposure.
Question 3 – I tested positive for Covid:
- What was the date of the test?
- Were you symptomatic? If so, when did symptoms begin?
- You must quarantine 10 days from the positive Covid test or,
- You must quarantine 10 days from the onset of symptoms
- You may return to campus after 10 days of quarantine as long as you do not feel ill
- You do not need to be retested as the virus may show up in your system for 90 days after exposure (you will not test negative)
The general rule is:
If you do not feel well for any reason, stay off campus.
Covid Vaccination:
- If you received both doses of the vaccine for Covid and the series was completed over one week ago, you no longer have to quarantine for an exposure unless you become symptomatic.
References:
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Key Points from the CDC
The following recommendations apply to non-healthcare settings. For related information for healthcare settings, visit Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination.
Fully vaccinated people can:
- Participate in many of the activities that they did before the pandemic; for some of these activities, they may choose to wear a mask.
- Resume domestic travel and refrain from testing before or after travel and from self-quarantine after travel.
- Refrain from testing before leaving the United States for international travel (unless required by the destination) and refrain from self-quarantine after arriving back in the United States.
- Refrain from routine screening testing if feasible.
Infections happen in only a small proportion of people who are fully vaccinated, even with the Delta variant. However, preliminary evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant can spread the virus to others. To reduce their risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others: CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people:
- Wear a mask in public indoor settings if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
- Fully vaccinated people might choose to mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they or someone in their household is immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in their household is unvaccinated. People who are at increased risk for severe disease include older adults and those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, overweight or obesity, and heart conditions.
- Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you came into close contact with someone with COVID-19 get tested 3-5 days after the date of your exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until a negative test result.
- Isolate if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the prior 10 days or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow any applicable federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations.
About the Delta Variant: Vaccines continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus that cause COVID-19, including this variant. Vaccines are highly effective against severe illness, but the Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about variants in the US.
People who are immunocompromised should be counseled about the potential for reduced immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines and to follow current prevention measures (including wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others they don’t live with, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces) regardless of their vaccination status to protect themselves against COVID-19 until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
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 |
Vaccine Information
Vaccination Locations
Click on the blue button to find a clinic.
Vaccine Information
The staff of the Jonathan Edwards Library have created a one-page Lib Guide with facts and information about the Covid-19 vaccine.
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Phase 3 Control Plan
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Phased Return to Campus Policies
Use the buttons to view Phase-specific campus policies regarding campus access, mask use, social distancing, cleaning/disinfecting, and personal protective equipment.
TOPIC STAFF STUDENTS COMMUNITY PUBLISHED? OUTCOMES Campus Access
Essential Staff only
- Security
- Maintainers
- Office Staff – only if work cannot be done remotely
Online Only
Moved classes to onlineEssential Staff only – no community access • Website
• Staff email
• Student email
• Robo calls
• Newspaper
• Social MediaSafety from Virus for all staff and students while providing educational opportunities Masks - Masks must be worn at all times on campus
- Signage for Mask use
- Not applicable – all classes moved to remote learning
- Not applicable – no community access to buildings
• Website
• Staff email
• Student email
• Robo calls
• Newspaper
• Social MediaTo ensure safety of all those on campus. Social Distancing - Essential employees should maintain 6ft distance from any person
- Signage for Social Distancing
- Not applicable – all classes moved to remote learning
- Not applicable – no community access to buildings
• Website
• Staff email
• Student email
• Robo calls
• Newspaper
• Social MediaTo ensure safety of all those on campus. Cleaning / Disinfecting - Clean all hard surfaces
- PPE
- Disinfected wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Gloves
- Fogger/Mister
- Not applicable – all classes moved to remote learning
- Not applicable – no community access to buildings
• Website
• Staff email
• Student email
• Robo calls
• Newspaper
• Social MediaTo ensure all surfaces and areas are deep cleaned and disinfected Personal Protective Equipment - Mask
- Gloves
- Aprons/Suits
- Not applicable - all classes moved to remote learning
- Not applicable – no community access to buildings
• Website
• Staff email
• Student email
• Robo calls
• Newspaper
• Social MediaTo ensure all on campus have the correct equipment needed for protection of virus TOPIC STAFF STUDENTS COMMUNITY PUBLISHED? OUTCOMES Campus Access
Essential Staff Only
- Security
- Maintainers
- Office Staff - 25% of staff can return in a staggered schedule approved by a supervisor
Online Only
Moved classes to onlineEssential Staff only - no community access - Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
Safety from virus for all staff and student while providing educational opportunities Masks - Masks must be worn on campus at all times
- Signage for mask use
N/A - all classes moved to remote learning N/A - no community access to buildings - Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus Social Distancing - Eseential employees should maintain 6-foot distance from any person
- Signage for social distancing
N/A - all classes moved to remote learning N/A - no community access to buildings - Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus Cleaning / Disinfecting - Clean all hard surfaces
- PPE
- Disinfected wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Gloves
- Fogger / Mister
N/A - all classes moved to remote learning N/A - no community access to buildings - Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus Personal Protective Equipment - Mask
- Gloves
- Aprons / Suits
N/A - all classes moved to remote learning N/A - no community access to buildings - Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus TOPIC STAFF STUDENTS COMMUNITY PUBLISHED? OUTCOMES Campus Access
- Security
- Maintainers
- Office Staff - 50% of staff can return in a staggered schedule approved by supervisor
- Educators - classes that cannot be online
- Labs
- Nursing components
- Library (limited capacity)
- Staff must follow Covid-19 procedures while on campus
- Mostly online classes
- Classes not able to be online will allow for student attendance
- Students must follow Covid-19 policies while on campus
- Limited community use and based on small groups and need
- Library open to community based on limited capacity
- Bookstore open with limited capacity
- Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
- Signage for which areas or rooms are open and available
Safety from virus for all staff, students and community while providing educational opportunities Masks - Masks must be worn at all times on campus
- Signage for mask use
- Masks must be worn at all times on campus
- Signage for mask use
- Masks must be worn at all times on campus
- Signage for mask use
- Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus Social Distancing - Staff shall maintain 6-foot social distance from any person
- Signage for social distancing
- Students shall maintain 6-foot social distance from any person
- Signage for social distancing
- Community members shall maintain 6-foot social distance from any person
- Signage for social distancing
- Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure safety of all those on campus Cleaning / Disinfecting - Clean all hard surfaces
- PPE
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Gloves
- Fogger / Mister
- Clean all hard surfaces
- PPE
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Gloves
- Fogger / Mister
- Clean all hard surfaces
- PPE
- Disinfectant wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Gloves
- Fogger / Mister
- Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure all surfaces and areas are deep cleaned and disinfected. Personal Protective Equipment - Mask
- Gloves
- Aprons / Suits
- Mask
- Gloves
- Aprons / Suits
- Mask
- Gloves
- Aprons / Suits
- Website
- Staff Email
- Student Email
- Robo calls
- Newspaper
- Social Media
To ensure all on campus have the correct equipment needed for protection from virus