Health Alerts
≫ Covid19 Campus Updates ≫ Online Learning ≫ COVID19 Community Resources

 

COVID19

Important information for students regarding class schedules and campus activities.

March 1, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

Together, throughout this pandemic, we have worked hard and smart to proactively keep our campus safe.

Berks County's COVID-19 community level is currently rated "low" by the CDC (follow link for reference: COVID-19 Community Levels | CDC). Based on updated CDC and PA Dept. of Health guidance, Reading Area Community College will be changing our indoor masking mandate effective Monday, March 7, 2022.

The change to the masking mandate effective Monday, March 7, 2022 is as follows for students, visitors, and employees:

  • Masks can be worn based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.

Reading Area Community College will continue to follow its current protocols and COVID decision model for isolation and quarantine of students and employees who test positive, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19. (Follow link for reference: COVID-Decision-Model-1-3-22.pdf (racc.edu).)

Handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick will continue to remain important layers of prevention to help keep our school safe. Be sure to check https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts for ongoing updates and guidance.

We look forward to a safe, healthy summer and fall semesters for students, faculty and staff.

All the best,
Susan

December 21, 2021

Dear colleagues,
 
As concern about the current COVID-19 outbreak grows, we are doing our best to keep everyone at RACC healthy, safe and informed; while also minimizing the disruptions of our day-to-day commitment to educating our students. 

Please continue to monitor COVID-19 Health Alerts at https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts for updated important COVID-19–related information for faculty, staff and students.

At this time, and into the spring semester, we will continue to maintain all indoor masking protocols, and ask all employees to stay home if ill, and remain diligent about hand hygiene. 
 
We will continue to provide you with updates, as they become available.
 
All the best,
Susan

August 11, 2021

Dear colleagues,

Together, throughout this pandemic, we have worked hard and smart to proactively keep our campus safe. After reviewing recent pandemic trends, additional safety protocols are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to pave the way for a successful fall semester. We will require masks until further notice in all indoor locations on campus beginning Monday, August 16. 
 
Vaccination is the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. RACC will be giving fully vaccinated employees and students a $100 incentive. Details for receiving the incentives will be sent to employees and students closer to the start of fall semester. 
 
Handwashing, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick will also remain important layers of prevention to help keep our school safe.   
 
We look forward to a safe, healthy fall semester for students, faculty and staff.
 
All the best,
Susan

March 25, 2021

Dear Colleagues,
 
A year ago, we had to quickly adapt to a virtual world. Now we are looking forward to a return to our everyday, very social campus. The transition to face-to-face and campus activities will be gradual and follow CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines. I welcome, as I hope you will too, seeing a return to increased face-to-face activities through spring and summer! On that topic, the following is an update on upcoming activity on campus.
 
Visitors to Campus

  • Enrollment for summer and fall classes is underway and admissions staff is hosting numerous recruiting events for prospective students. You will see small groups touring the campus as part of our “mini-enrollment days.”

Sustained Culture of Caring during COVID-19

  • This week, RACC staff, faculty, and administration called nearly 1200 students as part of its spring “Days of Caring” call initiative. These phone calls were made at a critical time in the semester. A time when it was vital for students to hear encouraging words and be reassured that we are here to help them be successful. Often these calls lead to staff being able to direct students to resources, such as tutoring, financial aid, and other RACC supports.
  • Along with our Days of Caring to support our students, Student Life has prepared monthly food baskets for students through the RACC food pantry and Mitzvah Circle, a local community organization, the former funded by donations. Another critical and highly successful care initiative that serves not only our students, but also the community, has been monthly mobile markets with Helping Harvest.
  • None of these efforts would be possible without you. Thank you to the staff, faculty, and administrators who work so hard to support our students while also volunteering their time and donating items in support of these efforts. 

Graduation

  • RACC will be holding graduation at Santander Arena on Friday, May 7, with multiple sessions to honor our 2020 and 2021 graduates. Please encourage students to apply for graduation. We want them to be able to proudly wear their cap and gown and walk across the stage to receive their degrees. This in-person event will follow CDC and Department of Health guidelines for holding an indoor gathering. We will keep you updated with commencement details.

Please continue to read the RACC Health Alerts page, https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts, for complete COVID-19 guidelines and weekly updates.

Thank you for your commitment to each other, our students and to the mission of our college.
 
All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney

President

March 5, 2021

Updated Re-entry Policy and Procedures

February 26, 2021

Dear Colleagues,
 
Together, throughout this pandemic, we have worked hard and smart to proactively keep our campus safe while adhering to CDC and PA Department of Health guidelines. We are counting on your continued efforts to protect each other and yourselves. Please continue your diligent practices of mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing.
 
Unfortunately, it appears that COVID-19 will still be with us in May, and therefore RACC will be holding a virtual graduation. A graduation committee is planning unique and meaningful activities to create special memories for this year’s spring virtual ceremony.
 
With the anticipation of vaccinations and warmer weather, you may be considering travel. We expect students, faculty and staff to review our Health Alerts page before making any travel plans. Those considering out-of-state travel need to review the Pennsylvania Department of Health's COVID-19 Information for Travel and speak with their supervisor.
 
Please continue to read the RACC Health Alerts page, https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts, for complete COVID-19 guidelines and weekly updates.
 
We have much to be hopeful for in the coming months. Thank you for your commitment to each other, our students and to the mission of our college. Have a wonderful weekend.
 
All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney

President

January 4, 2021

Spring semester begins Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021. We will continue to offer students choices in instruction and service delivery: on campus, remote and/or online.

Advisors are available to assist you with creating a spring course schedule. If you are facing financial challenges, please call our financial aid office at 610.607.6225 to speak with a professional about options for financing your education at RACC.

Course delivery

  • Safety remains our priority and social distancing best practices will be followed in courses held in classrooms on campus by limiting classes to as few as 12.
  • Online and remote classes will continue to provide students an interactive learning environment.

Through a mix of on-campus, remote, and online instruction, students can create a schedule based on their individual preferences for the spring semester.

Student Services are open

  • Admissions
  • Placement Testing
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Cashier's Office
  • Advising Appointments
  • Yocum Library Services
  • Tutoring Services
  • Schmidt Training and Technology Center for Career Training
  • Community Education & Professional Development including Literacy Programs
  • Short-Term Certificate Programs
  • Bookstore

To further ensure a safe visit, social distancing will be followed, and masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required. We also encourage visitors to download the #CampusClear app (campusclear.com) for self-screening prior to entry to campus facilities.

Have a great semester. I cannot wait to see you on campus this spring!

Dr. Susan D. Looney

President

November 16, 2020

Dear Colleagues,

Based on the escalation of COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, and our effort to ensure the continued health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff by minimizing crowds on campus; fall face-to-face classes will move to remote instruction starting Monday, November 23, 2020, and will remain remote until the end of the semester, December 12, 2020.

For courses and programs such as in health professions clinicals, manufacturing, and non-credit career and literacy programs, the associate deans and program directors will be working with faculty to determine any content that has to be taught face-to-face and convey the adjusted schedule to their students. The campus will remain open and each department’s hours and services remain unchanged at this time. Please remind students that the campus is open if they need to use such services as computer labs, Yocum Library, advising, tutoring, financial aid and Zoom rooms.

The goal is to help students finish the semester successfully, and for RACC, as a team, to meet students where they are most comfortable during this health crisis. If a student does not have adequate technology, they should contact a faculty member to discuss available options.

All current COVID-19 protocols remain the same. Further information will be posted to the college's website at https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts. We are better prepared than in spring 2020 and I am confident we can support students and each other as we keep health, safety and student success as our top priorities.

Sincerely,

Susan D. Looney, J.D., Ed.D.
President
Reading Area Community College

November 13, 2020

Dear RACC colleagues,

As the fall semester is rapidly coming to a close, we remain focused on keeping the campus community safe and healthy during this pandemic. As you can see on the Health Alerts page, racc.edu/health-alerts, which is updated every Monday morning, we are fortunate to report few confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus at this time. 

However, we are aware of increases in positive COVID-19 cases locally, as well as nationally. Hence, it is essential to continue to concentrate our efforts on mitigating risk of infection. Please remember that everyone who enters a building on campus must wear a facemask. Additionally, it is highly encouraged that everyone log into the #CampusClear app on a daily basis and answer the questions regarding COVID-19 symptoms. Of course, if you do not feel well, please stay home.

Please continue to contact Dean of Instruction, Kevin Coots, if a student feels ill, regardless of modality. Any employee who has symptoms should immediately contact Vice President of Fiscal and Human Resources, Dory Peterson.

As the holidays approach and you make travel plans, please take time to review these guidelines, especially if you are planning to travel outside of Pennsylvania.

  • Remain cautious and mindful while traveling, and continue to practice social distancing.
  • Please check the PA Department of Health website for a list of “hotspot” states. The list changes weekly.
  • Please notify Vice President of Fiscal and Human Resources, Dory Peterson if you will be traveling to a “hotspot” state or if you are traveling internationally; and provide the state and/or country to which you will be traveling, and the date you will be returning to Pennsylvania.
  • Continue to monitor your health carefully for two full weeks after you return from any travel.

All the best,
Susan

Susan D. Looney, J.D. Ed.D.
President
Reading Area Community College
10 South 2nd Street
Reading, PA
610-607-6210

October 30, 2020

Dear colleagues,

As the end of the fall semester approaches, a semester unlike any of us have experienced in our educational careers, we want to reassure you that we will continue to remain focused on the four hallmarks of this institution, Access, Opportunity, Excellence and Hope. As outlined in our Mission Statement, RACC will continue to build communities of learning committed to educational growth and to the economic vitality in our region.

As a community-focused institution, we:

  • Strive for excellence in all our actions.
  • Promote student learning and personal growth through teaching and mentoring.
  • Create welcoming and safe environments where intellectual curiosity and learning can flourish.
  • Value the diversity in our community and the richness it brings.
  • Connect students to resources within the college and the community at large that best meet their educational needs.
  • Are committed to lifelong learning both for students and ourselves.

As I said pre-COVID and will continue to reiterate, I could not be more proud of all of you. Your unwavering commitment to the success of our students and the long-term viability of Reading Area Community College, not only inspires me, but also leaves me personally grateful for your perseverance, diligence and determined efforts to lead us through these unprecedented times.

All the best,
Susan

Susan D. Looney, J.D. Ed.D.
President
Reading Area Community College
10 South 2nd Street
Reading, PA
610-607-6210

October 16, 2020

This message is sent on behalf of Dr. Susan D. Looney

Dear RACC colleagues,

As the fall 2020 semester continues and spring 2021 schedule opens for enrollment, we remain focused on keeping the campus community safe and healthy during this pandemic. As you can see on the Health Alerts page, www.racc.edu/health-alerts, which is updated every Monday, we have been fortunate to report very few confirmed COVID-19 cases on campus at this time. 

I am very proud of our collective diligence to follow the college's health and safety guidelines, and I want to thank the COVID-19 Response Team for their leadership during this crisis. This team of seven members from across the college, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Facilities and Enrollment Services, is charged with the oversight of our health, safety, learning and security guidelines. They spend hours each week gathering information submitted by you and meticulously tracking each report regarding illnesses among students and employees, and then responding to each unique situation to keep our campus community as safe as possible. The team receives expert advice, as needed, from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The data reported to the team form the basis for the number of COVID-19 cases reported on the college's website. 

As I shared in my last update, the college has worked closely to establish institutional policies and procedures developed from our work with federal, state and local health experts and public health officials. This list includes PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, Berks County Emergency Services Director Brian Gottschall, PA Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education Noe Ortega, the Berks County Commissioners and the Berks Co-County Wellness Center. Additionally, we will continue to work closely with local school districts, partner universities and local political and business leaders for shared procedures and development of COVID-19 preventative and management protocols.

Thank you to everyone at RACC for your timely reports, which have made a difference in immediately responding to any potential COVID-19 cases. Our plan to maintain a culture of cooperation and openness to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our campus community is working. Please continue to contact Dean of Instruction, Kevin Coots, if a student feels ill, regardless of modality. Any employee who has symptoms should immediately contact Vice President of Fiscal and Human Resources, Dory Peterson.

I am confident, that through the guidance of the COVID-19 team, and the endurance of the RACC community, we will make it through this crisis together with open communication and mutual commitment to the success of our students, and to each other. 

All the best,

Susan

Susan D. Looney, J.D. Ed.D.
President
Reading Area Community College
10 South 2nd Street
Reading, PA  
610-607-6210

October 2, 2020

Dr. Looney's letter to the campus community

Dear RACC colleagues,

Since March, the pandemic has created one of the most challenging crisis for our college as we consider our health and safety, our students’ safety, and the long-term viability of our college. I have been and remain confident in our COVID-19 taskforce and fellow leaders at this college in their ability to make decisions that address the constantly changing variables this pandemic has presented during the past seven months.

I cannot emphasize enough my gratitude for your courage, commitment to the college and for being the front line to addressing this crisis in your classrooms and on campus. The college has worked closely to establish institutional policies and procedures developed from our work with federal, state and local health experts and public health officials. This list includes U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Department of State medical official Dr. Deborah L. Birx, PA Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, Berks County Emergency Services Director Brian Gottschall, PA Department of Education Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education Noe Ortega, the Berks County Commissioners and the Berks Co-County Wellness Center. Additionally, we have worked closely with local school districts, partner universities and local political and business leaders for shared guidance and development of COVID-19 preventative and management protocols.

At every step of this crisis, it has been imperative that we maintain a culture of transparency; providing information that is timely and accurate, while as college administrators, being visible and available. To establish immediate updates to the campus community, we published a Health Alerts page on the college website www.racc.edu/health-alerts to keep the campus community informed of policy, protocols, and timely communications.

As we encountered our first reported positive COVID-19 cases in September 2020, a public dashboard for positive COVID-19 cases was created and added to the Health Alerts page at that time. This chart is updated weekly, reflecting any new reported cases from the prior week. New case information, and total cases reported, is published each Monday.

So much depends upon mutual trust in order to continue the work of educating our students. I do understand that the COVID-19 crisis makes us feel less safe and, as the president of RACC, I will provide a status update every two weeks to help us all stay better informed. I ask that you also communicate any potential cases to Dean of Instruction, Kevin Coots, and to continue to communicate to students to stay home if they feel sick.

Some of you have many more years at RACC than I – you have worked together through recovering from floods, a great recession, and now COVID-19. We will make it through this crisis together and we do need to rely upon each other and keep the lines of communication open.

Thank you again for your commitment to RACC.

Susan D. Looney, J.D. Ed.D.
President
Reading Area Community College
10 South 2nd Street
Reading, PA
610-607-6210

September 14, 2020

Updated Re-entry Policy and Procedures

August 28, 2020

Updated Policy and Procedures

Updated FAQs

July 15, 2020

Campus open for summer and fall letter to students.

Reading Area Community College (RACC) is excited to open our campus to current and prospective students and visitors beginning Thursday, July 16, 2020. Campus facilities (with the exception of Yocum Library, Student Union Building and Cafeteria) will be open from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday for the remainder of summer. Check links below for specific student services office hours.

RACC is also planning to resume on-campus instruction, as an option for students, for fall semester, beginning Monday, August 24, 2020.

To ensure a safe visit, temperatures will be taken prior to entry into all campus facilities, social distancing will be in place, and masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required. For more detailed instructions on campus safety protocols and procedures please visit https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts.

We want to offer our current and prospective students choices in course delivery and student services.

Course Delivery

RACC has made the necessary changes to the academic schedule with a focus on enhancing safety and lowering the risk of spread of the virus. On-campus courses will be delivered in classrooms set up for social distancing and limited to as few as 12 students per class based on social distancing guidelines. Online and remote classes will continue to provide students an interactive learning environment. Through a mix of on-campus, remote, and online instruction, students can create a schedule based on their individual preferences for fall semester. For more information about fall 2020 class sections available in any one of these modalities, visit this link.

Throughout summer and fall, current and prospective RACC students will still be able to receive information online as well as visit the campus if they prefer to meet with staff.

Student Services and Program Information

Please refer to our website for building hours as well, or speak with a live agent through RACC's LiveChat.

I am grateful to staff, faculty and administrators for their dedication to student success during this challenging time. Together, we have created multiple ways for students and visitors to feel safe to come to campus as well as accommodate those who need to continue to visit with us through our robust virtual services. Together, we remain #RACCProud of our mission to educate students, train our workforce, and serve our community in person or online.

All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

June 24, 2020

Campus reopening letter to faculty and staff from Dr. Looney.

Dear Colleagues,

As Berks County transitions to Green Phase, I am very excited to inform you of RACC’s plans to reopen the campus this summer and fall. The health and safety of our campus community remains our top priority, and our reopening is in accordance with Centers for Disease Control, Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines. We will soon provide you with detailed reopening procedures but want to provide you with tentative dates for your planning purposes.

For summer, classes will continue in online mode only, with exceptions for certain programs in healthcare and in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center. A return to work plan for all exempt employees has been established with a return to campus beginning Tuesday, July 7; and a return to campus for all members of the Federation beginning Monday, July 13. Communications from your supervisor will be distributed shortly.

For fall, limited, on-campus, in-person instruction will begin on August 24, 2020, and will end December 4, 2020. During this time, RACC will continue to offer remote and online sections. The plan includes students returning to campus this fall, with significant precautionary measures in place to maintain the health and safety of our students and employees.

When RACC employees and students attend on-campus classes this fall, they are expected to follow health and safety guidelines. While on campus, students, employees and visitors must wear facemasks or coverings, practice social distancing, and practice hand washing frequently. At this time, the college will employ digital thermometer testing, enhanced cleaning and sanitation, hygiene stations, Plexiglas, and various other measures to provide for physical distancing and other health and safety needs. 

The last three months have been unprecedented in so many ways. COVID-19 has disrupted and affected the lives of our students, faculty and employees. Together, we will navigate the new challenges, and find a path forward to continue to advance our educational mission.  

All the Best,  
Susan D. Looney
President

June 24, 2020

Phase Green Summer Terms Re-entry Plan

June 16, 2020

Reopening of Reading Area Community College
Phase Yellow COVID19 ReEntry Plan - As of 6/16/2020

May 28, 2020

CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Statement 

At, Reading Area Community College we acknowledge that many of our students are facing additional challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. To assist students who have been impacted financially, RACC is distributing emergency government grant funding via the CARES Act. The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)-IHE/Student Aid supplies funding for institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students who have been negatively impacted by disrupted campus operations due to coronavirus.

The CARES Act requires all colleges and universities participating in the program to provide the following information.

  • Reading Area Community College (RACC) has signed and returned to the Department of Education the CARES Act Certification and Agreement. This document is an assurance that RACC has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
  • The total amount of funds that RACC will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $1,592,173.
  • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter) is $693,075.
  • The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 2,264. 
  • The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 2,264.
  • RACC’s method of evaluating eligibility for and amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act was determined by student Title IV eligible as well as Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Awarding Criteria.

To establish the awarding criteria for the Spring Semester recipients list and to remain in compliance with the Act, we limited our eligibility to students who had a complete financial aid file and who had enrolled in at least one face to face class. We then established an award structure for all eligible students for the Spring Semester with a proration based on credits of enrollment and a financial need based consideration from the federal needs methodology or the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

There is one year to disburse funds and therefore, RACC has reserved  some funds for future semesters due to the likelihood of further interruption. We created an award called CARES Act within the financial aid section of the college administrative software and set it up as a pass through account in order to provide cash directly to the student.

All student award recipients were directed to an e-form to isolate their issues on a case by case basis to be used for possible professional judgement adjustments to increase their eligibility for the Pell grant. In addition to gathering data for student file adjustments, the form allowed us to determine other needs of students such as computer and technology needs. This information will be considered in determining the allocation of the institutional portion of the CARES Act funds to enable our students to complete on-line instruction successfully.

May 28, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues,

First, I want to once again thank you for your creativity and resiliency as we continue to serve our students in this remote modality. At our May 27 campus community Zoom update, I shared both the PA Covid-19 Business Guidance in the Yellow Phase, as well as what we will be doing at RACC as Berks County is moved from the Red Phase to the Yellow Phase on June 5. Attached is the document that I referred to during our meeting so everyone can review the Business Guidance created by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I would like to summarize a few highlights from the meeting:

  • All employees at RACC will continue to telework while we are in the Yellow Phase. 
  • Even though permitted to hold meetings and training with a limit of ten people, kept six feet apart, RACC will not be doing so at this time.
  • We will continue to require that anyone who needs to enter campus must obtain permission from his or her VP and Ken Dearstyne at least 24 hours in advance.
  • We are continuing to clean and disinfect high-touch areas often, even though there are few essential employees on campus. 
  • We plan to install shields in high traffic areas throughout the campus and will be purchasing stickers to be placed on the carpet/floor to indicate social distancing.
  • The college has purchased facemasks and sanitizer as we plan for the future.
  • We will continue to require everyone on campus to wear masks while on campus.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s meeting, all summer classes will be online. As for the fall semester, we are planning for the worst and hoping for the best. We will continue to closely monitor the directive of Governor Wolf and what it means as we phase from Yellow to Green, and will plan accordingly. More information will be provided in future bi-weekly campus updates.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our community. As always, #RACCPROUD!
 
All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

Reopening of Reading Area Community College - Phase Yellow Procedures - As of 5/28/20

This document is intended to provide guidance to faculty, staff and students as Berks County transitions from the Red Phase to Yellow Phase of the state-mandated COVID-19 re-entry precautions. This is an ever-evolving process – expect periodic updates and procedural modifications as we receive additional guidance from state and local officials.

Provided that we comply with certain precautions, RACC is permitted to bring employees back to campus during the Yellow Phase of the recovery. However, since telework is still strongly encouraged, we expect that most employees will continue working remotely during the Yellow Phase.

The procedure for accessing the campus during the Yellow Phase is unchanged:

  1. Requests to enter a campus building will be submitted in advance by an area Vice President to the Senior Vice President of Finance & Admin Services/Treasurer for approval.
  2. Approved employees must sign-in and out at the table located in the lobby in front of the Security Desk in Berks Hall regardless of their eventual destination. Security will provide instructions/assistance in accessing other campus buildings. 
  3. Current open hours are M-F from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No off-hours access is permitted. Hours are subject to change. 
  4. Employees with an enhanced risk of infection who need to come to campus should make their immediate supervisor aware of their concerns so that the college can arrange an accommodation. 

Success in moving towards regular operations depends on individual action. As you return to campus, please:

  • Wear a face covering, especially when entering, exiting or walking within any building.
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
  • Maintain strict social distancing.
  • Stay home if you become ill. 

Please refer to the following:

  • COVID-19 Exposure: If you are exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, please notify your supervisor and observe the CDC guidelines, available online, for self-isolation. 
  • Illness: If you are ill or become ill, notify your supervisor. Do not come to campus until you are symptom-free or have been medically cleared by your physician. 
  • Students: All summer term instruction is being conducted online, with limited exceptions for health programs and programs in the STTC.  Service areas for students will open on a priority basis.  As students enter campus for those services, the instructor or advisor will be responsible for ensuring their compliance with these procedures and for arranging to meet them in an area that supports proper social distancing. If you need specific guidance, please consult with your immediate supervisor. 
  • Entry to the Building: To assure entry control and accountability, access points to buildings will be limited. Restrictions will vary from building to building. Authorized entries/exits will be designated by signage. 
  • RACC ID Badges: ID badges must always be worn and visible. 
  • Start times: Supervisors may stagger reporting times for their direct reports to minimize overcrowding and encourage social distancing as people arrive at work. 
  • Stay in Place: Our goal is for faculty and staff to remain on their respective floors as much as possible. Once they arrive, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to remain on campus until the end of their workday. In-person meetings are discouraged. Ideally, all meetings should be conducted remotely via phone, zoom, etc., until further notice. If you must meet in person, select a meeting location that will allow you to maintain appropriate social distancing. 
  • Elevators: Please observe a limit of one person per elevator car for the time being. Feel free to use your arm or elbow to push the buttons, or, you may wash your hands and/or hand sanitize upon exiting the elevator. We will reassess this as needed. If you reside in the same household, you may ride the elevator together. If you capable, using the stairs will eliminate long wait times for the elevator. 
  • Stairwells: Other than arrival and departure from the office, there should be minimal use of the stairwells since we are making every effort to remain on our own floors. Please be mindful of others using the stairwells and wait on the landing to allow someone else to pass in the opposite direction. Although we discussed making each stairwell one-way, the challenges outweighed any potential benefit and the same effect can be achieved by being courteous and allowing someone to pass while waiting on the landing. 
  • Conference rooms: With a few exceptions, conference rooms will remain closed for now. Some may be temporarily repurposed as overflow office space as determined by Facilities and management. 
  • Hand sanitizer: hand sanitizer has been placed throughout each building, including elevators and rest rooms. Please remember that proper hand washing is still the best precaution when available!
  • Masks: Everyone is required to provide and wear a face covering when entering, walking around, or leaving the building. You are encouraged to wear your face covering even while at your desk. A limited number of facemasks will be available at temperature security desk for visitors. 
  • Restrooms: For larger restrooms, please limit use to no more than two people at a time. 
  • Cafeteria: The cafeteria is closed. As we are trying to limit movement in and out of buildings during the day, please consider packing your lunch. 
  • Dress Code: Until further notice, the dress code remains casual. Once dry cleaners reopen, staff will be notified of the return to professional work attire.
  • Cleaning: our maintenance staff and cleaning contractor are cleaning and disinfecting all buildings on a regular basis using approved disinfectants. High traffic/high touch areas are being cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day.  
  • Visitors: Please make every effort to avoid having visitors come to campus. If an in-person visit is unavoidable, your area VP must approve the visit in advance. You must arrange to meet your visitor in the lobby of your building, ensure their compliance with these procedures and arrange to meet them in an area that supports proper social distancing. Conference rooms may be used for this purpose. Deliveries of critical supplies will be coordinated by Purchasing and distributed from a central point. Outside food deliveries are not permitted in Phase Yellow.  
  • Individual Hardships: Anyone who feels they cannot return to work should notify Human Resources. In addition, and as a reminder, you may use personal or vacation time with supervisory approval.
  • RACC Laptops: Employees who received a RACC laptop should keep them for now in the event that Berks County moves back to the Red Phase. When you return to campus, further instructions will be given. In many cases, you will use your laptop as your means of technology on campus.  

As always, if you have any questions, issues or suggestions, please consult your immediate supervisor.

April 18, 2020

A letter from Kenneth E. Dearstyne to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues:

Please read the following important information relative to Campus Building Access guidelines and current cleaning protocol.

  1. Beginning Monday, 4/20/20, any visitor to campus must wear a mask while on the premises (unless you have a medical condition that precludes you from doing so).  If you do not have a mask, one will be provided at the Berks Hall front desk when you sign in.  We have a limited supply of masks, so I ask that you do what you can to limit the need for one to be given to you by bringing your own.  We have ordered thermometers and once we receive them, will be taking temperatures of all who have been approved to visit.  Anyone having an elevated temperature, will not be allowed access to the building(s).  Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines and remain at least 6 feet apart from one another.  If you have been exposed to anyone with a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19, please remain quarantined and for the safety of others including essential employees, do not request or come to RACC at this time.
  2. The following protocols have been established to maintain a safe and clean campus while most, but not all, of us remain off campus.  The Facilities crew is doing an excellent job of vacuuming, cleaning and sanitizing classrooms, furniture, equipment, PTAC units and carpets in each building as well as cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms.   Please note that the disinfectant being used is a hospital grade multi-purpose neutral disinfectant.  Special thanks to Deb Casillas, Tammy Ashjean and Ferdinand Flores for their hard work and focus on health and safety for all of us.
  3. Please remember to follow the protocol established during the first week of the pandemic, and if you must visit campus, request approval from your Supervisor and Area VP.  If they approve, the request will then be forwarded to the SVP for Finance and Administrative Services for final approval and a specific date and time will be scheduled.

Thank you all for your patience and understanding during these especially challenging times—stay safe—#RACCProud.

Kenneth E. Dearstyne, Jr.
Senior Vice-President for Finance and Administrative Services/College Treasurer

April 15, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues,
 
I am excited to share with you the following information regarding what RACC is doing to assist the community.

Click here to read the news article: RACC contributing to a Berks grassroots movement to get PPE gear to workers

All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

April 8, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue to adapt to how we offer Access, Opportunity, Excellence, and Hope, I want to share with you some examples of the outstanding work being done throughout the college.

All credit and non-credit classes have been transitioned to an online modality. Additionally, we have moved all of the student services online. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, advising, tutoring, registration, financial aid, and accessibility services. Even Student Government Association (SGA) continues to work together to keep students engaged in fun and educational virtual activities. These are some examples of how each area of the college found solutions to many challenges, and I continue to be inspired by everyone’s hard work with the goal of student success.

As a result of the amazing work by all of you, we are fulfilling our mission and changing lives. Thank you for your incredible commitment to being creative and flexible as we all work through this unprecedented time.

I hope all of you are safe and doing well. I certainly miss seeing you, and our students, on campus. I look forward to reconnecting in person when we return.

We will get through this together! As always, #RACCPROUD.

All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

April 1, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Prioritizing the safety and well being of everyone in our Reading Area Community College (RACC) community has guided all of our decisions during this pandemic. As such, Reading Area Community College is postponing commencement ceremonies, and other campus related activities for this academic year.
 
We will be celebrating our students through virtual activities, and we promise our graduating students, that they will have the opportunity to participate in a future commencement ceremony. We will share more details when they are available.

All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

March 31, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear RACC students,

I hope you and your family and friends are safe and healthy. Your safety and well-being have been on my mind since the beginning of the COVID19 crisis, as we considered and created remote ways to support you in finishing your spring coursework needed to complete your certificates and degrees.

Your faculty have shared with me your struggles – and your successes – in staying the course in your academics. Please know we continue to support you throughout this challenging time.

Prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone in our RACC community has guided all of our decisions during this pandemic. As such, Reading Area Community College is postponing commencement ceremonies, and other campus related activities for this academic year.

We will be celebrating you through virtual activities, and I promise you, our graduating students, that you will have the opportunity to participate in a future commencement ceremony. We will share more details when they are available.

We share in your disappointment. Each year, the RACC community anticipates and enjoys celebrating our students at commencement. You are the reason we are here, and we are proud of your accomplishments as Reading Area Community College students.

Stay the course. You will be a RACC graduate. Together we will stand strong and stand #RACCProud.

All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

March 31, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues, 
 
As we continue into week two of our transition to serving our students remotely, I wanted to take a moment to give all of you a big thank you for your dedication to our mission of student success, and for being so flexible and creative.
 
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking great care of yourself and your loved ones.
 
As always, I am #RACCPROUD. 
 
All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

March 22, 2020

Dear RACC Campus Community,

Thank you RACC community – students, faculty and staff – for working toward a smooth transition during this national emergency.

I have heard from many of you about how you are keeping yourself and your families safe and your successes with adapting your courses and your services to online delivery. We miss seeing you in person as valuable members of the RACC campus and this community. Your resiliency is to be commended.  I will continue to listen to you, and together, we will overcome this public health crisis by adapting to the world within which we now live.

On Monday, March 23, all teaching and learning will be online and continue in this format through the end of the semester. To help students with this transition, we offer several resources to help them succeed in online coursework. Please visit racc.edu/online. Staff members are available by phone or email to help students access student support services. Latest updates about RACC’s COVID19 response are posted to the racc.edu/health-alerts webpage. We have also expanded the RACC website coverage of our LiveChat feature and added additional staff to help answer the increased volume of student questions.

I am truly grateful to see how the RACC community has reached out to help each other. You all mobilized to find the best solutions for continuing to live in the mission of the college, student success. From Information Technology getting computers to staff and faculty, to academic deans and faculty spending endless hours converting face-to-face courses to online; and to staff thinking creatively about staying connected through chats, Zoom and phone calls. I am humbled by your commitment to students and to each other. I could not be more #RACCproud of all of you. Together we will brave this crisis by taking care of each other and our students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

March 19, 2020

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues:
 
I am sharing with you, a message that was sent to our students yesterday.
 
“Despite this unprecedented situation, each of us at Reading Area Community College (RACC) remains committed to you, the individual student, and your success. We are here for you. And through this crisis, we will remain here for you. Together we will stand strong and stand RACCProud!” 
 
YouTube video
 
Click here to answer any questions you may have about our transition to online classes.
 
All the best,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

Monday, March 17, 2:30pm

A letter from Dory Peterson to the RACC campus.

Dear Colleagues:

Reading Area Community College appreciates the efforts that faculty and staff have made during this unprecedented situation to accomplish our goals of student success and continuity of operations.

Faculty and adjuncts are already teaching many of our students online, and are working diligently to transition their remaining classes to an online modality. We are also making progress in transitioning managers and support staff to work remotely.

All employees will be granted paid time off for up to ten days during the worksite closure while we continue the transition to work remotely. This provision for emergency leave is for all current employees, regardless of status. Employees who have been authorized to work from home during the ten day emergency leave period will be allowed to offset their “emergency leave” time with “work at home” time, which will enable them to reserve some of their “emergency leave” in the event that the work-site cancellation continues beyond ten days.

Additional information on how to submit for “emergency leave” will be forthcoming.

Supervisors, please forward this email to all employees who are not in the email distribution groups.

Thanks,

Dory Peterson
Associate VP of Finance & Administrative Services

Monday, March 16, 5pm

A letter from Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC campus.

Dear RACC community,

In accordance with Governor Wolf’s recommendation and careful consideration for the safety and well-being of our community, Reading Area Community College will close access to all college buildings for students, faculty and non-essential staff, for two weeks effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

While our campus buildings will be closed, online education and remote student support services will continue as previously announced.

All non-essential employees are to stay home beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Essential employees will be contacted by their supervisors regarding their work status. 

We will continue to monitor guidance provided by state and federal protocols.

Information and details regarding this closure will be distributed via additional college communications.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President

Friday, March 13, 2020

Reading Area Community College has been intently following reports on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), with our top priority being the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus. We have been planning for several contingency scenarios to limit the spread of COVID19 while ensuring the continuity of our education mission. To balance the need for the continuation of essential student learning and support services with the health of the college community, we will temporarily move instruction online. Day-to-day operations at the college will continue. Please see the following details regarding these actions:

Classes

  • In-progress online classes will resume on Monday, March 16 after spring break.
  • Face-to-face classes, including laboratory classes, are suspended for the week while they are being transitioned to online, and will resume on Monday, March 23 in an online format.
  • Clinicals will continue as long as the host institution is in agreement.

Students

  • The college will remain open. Support services such as advising or tutoring will be available.
  • The college is working diligently to support students who may encounter obstacles in transitioning to online instruction, including providing access to equipment and the internet, and providing additional and ongoing training to use Canvas.
  • Students will have access to designated computer classrooms in Weitz Hall and Yocum Library.
  • Yocum Library will continue normal operating hours.

 Events

  • Campus events are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Notification will be sent to the campus community regarding cancellations.

COVID19: Important information for faculty and staff regarding class schedules and campus activities.

Friday, March 13, 2020

Reading Area Community College has been intently following reports on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), with our top priority being the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus. We have been planning for several contingency scenarios to limit the spread of COVID19 while ensuring the continuity of our education mission. To balance the need for the continuation of essential student learning and support services with the health of the college community, we will temporarily move instruction online. Day-to-day operations at the college will continue, and staff should report to work as usual. Please see below for more details regarding these actions.

The decision to move to virtual instruction was not made lightly, and we request the cooperation, collaboration, and assistance of the entire campus community to help our students be successful as we implement these major changes:

Classes

  • In-progress online classes will resume on Monday, March 16 after spring break.
  • Face-to-face classes, including laboratory classes, are suspended for the week while they are being transitioned to online, and will resume on Monday, March 23 in an online format.
  • Clinicals will continue as long as the host institution is in agreement.
  • Faculty are asked to be flexible and patient in working with students who are new to an online instructional modality. Students who are having difficulty working with Canvas should be referred to Steven Mathews or Michael Gregory who will facilitate obtaining assistance for those students.

Students

  • The college will remain open. Support services such as advising or tutoring will be available.
  • The college is working diligently to support students who may encounter obstacles in transitioning to online instruction, including providing access to equipment and the internet, and providing additional and ongoing training to use Canvas.
  • Students will have access to designated computer classrooms in Weitz Hall and Yocum Library.
  • Yocum Library will continue normal operating hours.

Employees

  • The college will remain open. Staff should report to work as usual. Faculty may work remotely.
  • If a faculty member needs assistance with transitioning to remote instruction, they should contact their respective associate dean as soon as possible.
  • Please contact human resources with employee or workplace related questions.
  • If you do not feel well, please stay home.
  • Continue to follow CDC recommendations related to prevention.

Meetings, Conference, and Events

  • Meetings will be conducted via conference call or internet meeting when possible.
  • RACC-sponsored travel is prohibited unless approved by the college president.
  • Campus events are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Notification will be sent to the campus community regarding cancellations.

Coronavirus (COVID19)

PLEASE CLOSELY MONITOR RACC COMMUNICATIONS AS THE COVID-19 RESPONSE MAY CHANGE RAPIDLY

Reading Area Community College officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of the COVID19 respiratory illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus.

At this time, there are no known cases of coronavirus at Reading Area Community College. As symptoms of coronavirus can be very similar to the flu, which is active across Pennsylvania at this time, Reading Area Community College recommends that anyone with flu-like symptoms contact their health care provider for an evaluation.

Symptoms

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID19. People with COVID19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Staying home when you are sick.
  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

RACC precautionary COVID19 measures

Below is a list of steps RACC has taken since the outbreak of COVID19:

  1. RACC currently has no students studying abroad through a RACC-sponsored program. There are no short-term RACC-sponsored trips abroad.
  2. RACC officials are monitoring the global novel coronavirus outbreak around the clock and its implications. Any further travel restrictions will be communicated immediately to our travelers/students.
  3. RACC has developed and distributed preventative visual aids throughout campus and our facilities team reacted immediately to order hand sanitizer in addition to extra cleaning supplies. They have also increased the frequency of cleaning high-touch point areas (door knobs, elevator buttons, cafeteria, computer labs, etc.)
  4. RACC has established a response protocol should a student come forth with potential symptoms and communicated it to faculty or staff.
  5. RACC has prepared resources and instructions regarding remote instructional activities to distribute to faculty members in the unlikely event that RACC's campus closes. The Information Technology department has taken the lead on preparing technological infrastructure to help faculty hold classes remotely should the need arise.

RACC Communication Measures

March 13, 2020
Letter to RACC Students

Dear RACC students:

Reading Area Community College has been intently following reports on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), and our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus. We have been planning for several contingency scenarios to limit the spread of COVID19 while ensuring the continuity of our education mission. To balance the need for the continuation of essential student learning and support services with the health of the college community, we will temporarily move instruction online. Day-to-day operations at the college will continue. Please see the following details regarding these actions:

Classes

  • In-progress online classes will resume on Monday, March 16 after spring break.
  • Face-to-face classes, including laboratory classes, are suspended for the week while they are being transitioned to online, and will resume on Monday, March 23 in an online format.
  • Clinicals will continue as long as the host institution is in agreement.

Students

  • The college will remain open. Support services such as advising or tutoring will be available.
  • The college is working diligently to support students who may encounter obstacles in transitioning to online instruction, including providing access to equipment and the internet, and providing additional and ongoing training to use Canvas.
  • Students will have access to designated computer classrooms in Weitz Hall and Yocum Library.
  • Yocum Library will continue normal operation hours.

Events

  • Campus events are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Notification will be sent to the campus community regarding cancellations.

We thank you for your patience, cooperation, and flexibility. We will continue to notify you of updates, which will also be posted on racc.edu/health-alerts.

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President
Reading Area Community College

March 13, 2020
Letter to the RACC Community

Dear RACC colleagues,

Reading Area Community College has been intently following reports on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19), and our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus. We have been planning for several contingency scenarios to limit the spread of COVID19 while ensuring the continuity of our education mission. To balance the need for the continuation of essential student learning and support services with the health of the college community, we will temporarily move instruction online. Day-to-day operations at the college will continue, and staff should report to work as usual. Please see below for more details regarding these actions.

The decision to move to virtual instruction was not made lightly, and we request the cooperation, collaboration, and assistance of the entire campus community to help our students be successful as we implement these major changes:

Classes

  • In-progress online classes will resume on Monday, March 16 after spring break.
  • Face-to-face classes, including laboratory classes, are suspended for the week while they are being transitioned to online, and will resume on Monday, March 23 in an online format.
  • Nursing and Practical Nursing clinicals will continue as long as the host institution is in agreement.
  • Faculty are asked to be flexible and patient in working with students who are new to an online instructional modality. Students who are having difficulty working with Canvas should be referred to Steven Mathews (smathews@racc.edu) or Michael Gregory (mgregory@racc.edu)  who will facilitate obtaining assistance for those students.

Students

  • The college will remain open. Support services such as advising or tutoring will be available.
  • The college is working diligently to support students who may encounter obstacles in transitioning to online instruction, including providing access to equipment and the internet, and providing additional and ongoing training to use Canvas.
  • Students will have access to designated computer classrooms in Weitz Hall and Yocum Library.
  • Yocum Library will continue normal operation hours.

Employees

  • The college will remain open. Staff should report to work as usual. Faculty may work remotely.
  • If a faculty member needs assistance with transitioning to remote instruction, they should contact their respective associate dean as soon as possible.
  • Please contact human resources with employee or workplace related questions.
  • If you do not feel well, please stay home.
  • Continue to follow CDC recommendations related to prevention.

Meetings, Conference, and Events

  • Meetings will be conducted via conference call or internet meeting when possible.
  • RACC-sponsored travel is prohibited unless approved by the college president.
  • Campus events are being evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Notification will be sent to the campus community regarding cancellations.

We thank you all for your patience, cooperation, and flexibility. We will continue to notify you of updates, which will also be posted on racc.edu/health-alerts.

Dr. Susan D. Looney
President
Reading Area Community College

March 11, 2020
Letter to the RACC community

Dear Colleagues,
 
Reading Area Community College is closely monitoring the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. As the situation continues to change rapidly, our top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus.
 
We are planning for several contingency scenarios and taking informed action to limit the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring the continuity of our teaching mission.
 
We are asking that faculty in face-to-face classes send students home if they are exhibiting the most common symptoms of coronavirus, which are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
 
Our priority is to ensure academic continuity and to facilitate the completion of all in-process courses. To achieve this, we are  asking that faculty also be flexible in working with students who are ill, quarantined, or caring for ill family members, by providing remote learning opportunities, alternative assignments, extensions of time, or other accommodations in those situations.
 
At this time, there are no known affected individuals in Berks County. As a contingency, we are asking faculty to prepare for the possibility of canceling face-to-face classes on campus and moving those classes to an online instructional modality for the remainder of the semester. Please work with your Associate Dean if you need guidance or assistance with those preparations, and Mike Gregory will be sending another communication to faculty with additional information in this regard.
 
Employees in all areas (instructional and non-instructional) are reminded that they should stay home if they are exhibiting the most common symptoms of coronavirus, which are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If an employee reports to work with such symptoms, the supervisor should send them home. In those situations, a note from the employee’s healthcare provider releasing the employee to return to work may be required.
 
We have added a “Health Alerts” page on the RACC website. Please refer to this page for updates. https://www.racc.edu/health-alerts. We will be providing additional information as this situation unfolds.
 
Supervisors, please forward this email to any employees who are not in the email distribution groups.
 
Thanks,
 
Dory Peterson
Associate VP of Finance & Administrative Services
Reading Area Community College

March 3, 2020
Letter to RACC Community

Dear Colleagues,
 
This email is to inform you that Reading Area Community College is closely monitoring developments regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are monitoring the situation through the PA Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We will keep you posted if there are new developments which may affect RACC. At this time there are no known affected individuals in Berks County.
 
Symptoms of coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The symptoms can appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
 
How you can protect yourself
Practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with your elbows. Do not use your hands!
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
 
Here are links to the PA Department of Health and the CDC webpages for coronavirus, if you would like more information:
 
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
 
 
Thanks,
 
Dory Peterson
Associate VP of Finance & Administrative Services
Reading Area Community College

Helpful Links

COVID19 FAQs

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19)?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

What is the source of the virus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, and others, such as canine and feline coronaviruses, only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people. More information about the source and spread of COVID19 is available on the Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.

How does the virus spread?

This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so.
The virus that causes COVID19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Am I at risk for COVID19 in the United States?

This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website.