Return to Campus Information - Coronavirus-COVID-19

SCF Return to Campus Hotline: 941-752-5015

SCF Safety Precautions | Additional Helpful Information | Reported COVID-19 Cases | Previous Updates

January 11, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Welcome to the Spring 2021 semester!

Please watch the below message from SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld.

Our SCF family has done a fantastic job of adapting to the necessary safety precautions. As a result, we will be expanding attendance at our performing arts and athletic events to include students, faculty and staff. Information and invitations to attend will be posted online and sent via email.

The personal safety of students, faculty and staff is our top priority, therefore the precautions we have taken since returning to campus last fall remain in place. SCF continues to require students, faculty, staff and permitted visitors to wear face coverings on campus and our campuses remain closed to the public until further notice.

Please continue to review the important information below for SCF’s safety precautions and how to access additional resources.

And, as you return to campus, please remember to spread kindness, not germs. If you are sick, stay home and use the Student and Employee COVID-19 Reporting Form to report your illness.

Wishing you a healthy and rewarding Spring semester,

SCF

SCF Safety Precautions

The personal safety of students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. As we reopen the campuses, students and employees should follow the recommendations of the CDC and DOH, including:

• Wearing a mask, to be provided by SCF, for face-to-face interactions and when you can’t social distance.
• Do not host meetings or gatherings with groups larger than 10 people.
• Practicing social distancing, maintaining a six-foot distance, if you must be around other individuals.
• Conduct meetings or activities virtually.

In coordination with our local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Governor’s office, SCF is taking the following measures as a precaution for our College community: 

• Increasing the frequency of cleaning of highly touched surfaces with a disinfecting solution.
• Encouraging regular, diligent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers, as well as proper preventative sneeze and cough etiquette on campus.

Please take the preventative actions and adhere to the common guidelines as it relates to any illness or the coronavirus.

• If you are sick, stay home.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Carry and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Monitor your symptoms.

The following additional tools and resources are also available:

• Flier from the CDC related to handwashing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Flier from the CDC related to stopping the spread of germs.
• Florida Department of Education Reopening Florida’s Schools and the CARES Act Presentation

It is the responsibility of individuals to self-monitor their health every day. SCF will not track the health status or daily temperatures of all employees or students. 

• Per CDC guidelines, self-isolation is required for all individuals who have traveled abroad.
• When a confirmed case has been on campus, SCF will immediately reach out to local public health officials. These officials will help SCF determine the appropriate subsequent course of action.

Additional Helpful information

For reliable, up-to-date information, visit:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Florida Department of Health
• Florida Department of Health's COVID-19 Data & Surveillance Dashboard (cases by county & zip code)
• Florida Department of Education
• World Health Organization
• Re-Employment Assistance
• Handshake - SCF Student Employment
• Local Job Postings

Centerstone CareLine

It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during these challenging times. Many people are experiencing increased levels of stress, fear and anxiety. The need for social distancing makes it harder to access our normal social supports. 

Being in contact with people who can relate to your experiences is comforting. Centerstone’s CareLine can help you learn about coping skills, find resources, and feel supported.

If you or someone you know needs to talk, the team at Centerstone is available to help.

Free and Confidential 24/7 CareLine: 941-782-4300

Manatee Health Department Health Line

The Manatee Health Department has set up the Manatee Health Line, a phone number that residents are asked to call first if they believe they may have coronavirus (COVID-19). The Manatee Health Line number is (941) 242-6649. Subject-matter experts are on duty 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

Manatee residents who believe they may have COVID-19 are asked to call the Manatee Health Line before visiting health care providers.

The Department of Health runs a hotline that anyone who believes they may have coronavirus can call, as well. The number is (866) 779-6121 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days week.

Florida COVID-19 Call Center

1-866-779-6121

Community Hope Line

Beginning April 14, social workers, chaplains and grief counselors are joining forces to help meet the emotional-health needs of our communities through this 24/7 service. The Community Hope Line number can be reached at 941-556-HOPE (4673), toll-free at 855-930-HOPE (4673)  or via email at communityhope@tidewell.org. The service is also available to Spanish-speaking callers. (La Línea de Esperanza para La Comunidad esta disponible en Español.)

Reported COVID-19 Cases

As the spread of COVID-19 continues throughout our community, we want to update you on the number of individuals from SCF who have self-reported that they have tested positive for COVID-19 and have been on campus during the exposure period. The College is notifying anyone who may have been in contact with these individuals during their time on campus.The figures are updated Monday through Friday by 1 p.m. and include the cumulative total since the return to campus on August 10, 2020.

As of March 1:

CARES Act Information Reporting

• CARES Act and designated Higher Education Emergency Relief fund (HEERF)
• CARES Act Budget and Expenditure Report-Quarter ended September 30, 2020
• CARES Act Budget and Expenditure Report-Quarter ended December 31, 2020

Please continue to monitor all communications channels, including the College’s emergency alert system through email, telephone and text for updates.

For questions, concerns or additional information, please contact the Return to Campus Hotline at 941-752-5015.