Updates
Campus Update, Travel Restrictions and Self Quarantine Measures (UPDATED)
Mar 11, 2020
Houston Community College (HCC) continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, as more cases are confirmed in the United States and other countries. While the consensus among the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is that the general risk of exposure to COVID-19 is currently low in the United States, including the Houston area, we are taking the following proactive actions to safeguard our community members from transmission of COVID-19.
These protocols are consistent with CDC guidance and at times may include additional HCC directives as appropriate to prioritize the well-being of students and employees. Protocols and restrictions do not apply to travel within the U.S. at this time, but restrictions may be implemented by HCC on a case-bycase basis.
Travel Restrictions
Even though the CDC is providing guidance on international travel through its alert protocol, the spread of the virus remains dynamic, therefore HCC has suspended all school-based international travel until further notice. This restriction was communicated last week.
This memo expands on that restriction to include a request to report personal international travel, as well as the implementation of a self-quarantine restriction for any travel to countries for which the CDC has issued a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Warning related to COVID-19. At this time, these countries include: China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. As the CDC makes updates or additions to the areas with a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Warning, we will follow accordingly. We strongly discourage personal travel to these areas as well.
At this time, restrictions do not apply to domestic U.S. travel but may be implemented on a case-by-case basis by HCC as local, state and national alerts of COVID-19 are announced. We will continue to monitor the evolving conditions and travel advisories, and will provide updates on the HCC Coronavirus web page as they become available.
Self-Quarantine Restrictions
Consistent with guidance received from the CDC, HCC has adopted a 14-day self-quarantine (isolation from others) restriction on students, faculty and staff returning from any travel to countries for which the CDC has issued a Level 2 or 3 Travel Warning related to COVID-19.
If you have traveled to one of the countries the CDC has identified as a Level 2 or 3 Travel Warning within the last 60 days, please complete the Self-Report Form immediately. If you have traveled to one of these countries within the last 14 days, please stay home until your 14-day self-quarantine period has been completed.
Travel Report Request
Should you have plans for future travel anywhere internationally, please complete the relevant Travel Notification Form to document those travel plans with the College. We have determined this is necessary so we can continue to deliver rapid response of infection control measures as the situation evolves. These measures will help minimize potential transmission and prioritize the health and safety of the HCC Family.
We want to reiterate our commitment to maintaining an educational, working and living environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and where every member can thrive. Remember this important fact: COVID-19 does not recognize race, nationality or ethnicity. Also, wearing a mask does not mean a person is ill. It is essential that we all be supportive, respectful and inclusive of the members of our community who are affected by this global issue.
We will continue to monitor this rapidly changing situation and prepare for the possible impact of COVID-19 on our College. As the situation evolves, we are committed to staying in regular and close communication with everyone in the HCC family. You can access the latest HCC updates and information, including the best ways to protect your personal health, on our dedicated Coronavirus web page.
Thank you for your assistance in helping to maintain a healthy college.