Coronavirus – COVID-19

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Your Coronavirus Information Hub

This page has been created as a hub for all things related to Three Rivers Community College during the Coronavirus crisis. Check back regularly for the latest news, information and guidance. Your health and safety is our top priority, and the guiding principle in providing information on this page.

What to do if someone is sick
Student Covid-19 Information and Support
Faculty and Staff Covid-19 Information
Spring 2021 Reopening
Updates from TRCC & CSCU
TRCC Disclaimer
FAQs
CDC, State & Local Resources

Reopening of the Campus

This page, Spring 2021 Reopening at TRCC, has information regarding the reopening of the Three Rivers campus to students, faculty and staff only. It includes dates, hours, requirements for students to make appointments, procedures for social distancing, and more. The building is not open to the general public.

Help for Students

We have created a dedicated page to help Three Rivers students as we transition into a “virtual campus.” Visit the Coronavirus – Information and Support for Students page for information about logging into classes, advising, tutoring, library, registering, career resources, and more.

Help for Faculty and Staff

Please see the Coronavirus – Information for Faculty and Staff page for information and links that may be useful to Three Rivers faculty and staff transitioning to working and teaching remotely as well as information on how to access resources on campus. 

Latest Update: COVID-19 Vaccine Information Session

On Friday, March 5, Dr. Edie Ouellet, Director of Nursing and Allied Health, hosted a COVID-19 Vaccination Information Session via WebEx during which she presented clarifying information about the vaccine and how to schedule one. This was followed by a question and answer session. The information session was taped and can be watched here.

Also, attached here is the slide presentation Dr. Ouellet created and went over in the meeting. It includes information about the different vaccines as well as information and links for obtaining appointments.

Previous Updates

4/9/18/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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  • As of April 8, 2021, Connecticut has administered over 7.9 million COVID tests resulting in 319,779 positive cases.  Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7940 deaths reported in Connecticut.   
  • To date, the state has administered over 2.2 million total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 49% of adults 16 years or older getting at least a first shot. The Governor reports that vaccine supply will exceed demand by late April.  CSCU is working with the Department of Public Health to arrange closed vaccine clinics for university students by early May and with community college students by the end of May. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal. 
  • During the week of March 29th, the universities tested 3,527 residential students which yielded 40 positive cases.  Seven additional residential students and 38 commuter students who tested off campus self-reported positive test results.  Additional testing was done with 986 commuter students with 10 positive cases reported.  No positive cases were reported among 213 faculty and staff tested.  Weekly testing results are available on the individual university dashboards.
  • The CDC shared updated guidance on April 2nd for those who have been fully vaccinated indicating what is safe and not safe to do and what they know and don’t know yet about the effects of the vaccine. When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC
The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

4/2/18/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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  • As of April 1, 2021, Connecticut has administered over 7.7 million COVID tests resulting in 312,468 positive cases.  Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 7900 deaths reported in Connecticut.   To date, the state has administered nearly 2 million total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 1.3 million residents getting at least a first shot.
  • In the month of March, the community colleges confirmed that 61 positive cases were self-reported by their students, 38 of whom were attending classes on campus.  In addition, 5 faculty and 17 staff members who are working on campus reported positive cases of the virus.
  • During the week of March 22nd, the universities tested 3,835 residential students which yielded 21 positive cases.  Eight additional residential students and 39 commuter students who tested off campus self-reported positive test results.  Additional testing was done with 957 commuter students with 9 positive cases reported.  Four positive cases were reported among 212 faculty and staff tested.  Weekly testing results are available on the individual university dashboards.
  • The CDC has updated its guidance on travel for those who are fully vaccinated no longer suggesting testing or quarantine.  Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC
  • Starting April 1, the state’s vaccine rollout plan allows for those 16 and older to be vaccinated. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.  The state is working with CSCU system office to arrange closed vaccine clinics for university students by early May and with community college students by the end of May.
  • Guidance is now available from the CDC for those fully vaccinated.
The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

3/18/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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  • As of March 18, 2021, Connecticut has administered more than 7.27 million COVID tests resulting in 295,484 positive cases and more than 7,822 deaths. To date, the state has administered more than 1.47 million total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • During the week of March 8, the universities tested 3626 residential students which yielded 16 positive cases.  Five additional residential students who tested off campus self-reported positive test results.  Additional testing was done with 839 off-campus students with 13 positive cases reported.  Nearly 200 faculty and staff were tested with only 1 positive case.  Weekly testing results are available on the individual university dashboards.
  • Governor Lamont announced the easing of restrictions for businesses, social and recreational gatherings, sports and outdoor events effective today.  However, the Governor stressed that face coverings and masks continue to be required in public.
  • The Governor’s Travel Advisory expires effective today. Connecticut residents and travelers to Connecticut should follow travel-related guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH). Mandates and requirements are not currently in place in Connecticut.  Travel Advisory for Connecticut During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Today, the state’s vaccine rollout plan allows for those 45 and older to be vaccinated. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.
  • Guidance is now available from the CDC for those fully vaccinated.

All residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. All CSCU employees are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.
The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

3/12/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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  • As of March 11, 2021, Connecticut has administered more than 7 million COVID tests resulting in 289,392 positive cases and more than 7,700 deaths.   To date, the state has administered more than 1.2 million total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • New guidance is available from the CDC for those fully vaccinated.  CDC Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC
  • During the week of March 1, the universities tested 3578 residential students which yielded 10 positive cases.  Three additional residential students who tested off campus self-reported positive test results.  Additional testing was done with 844 off-campus students with 9 positive cases reported.  Weekly testing results are available on the individual university dashboards.
  • Governor Lamont announced the easing of restrictions for businesses, social and recreational gatherings, sports and outdoor events.  However, the Governor stressed that face coverings and masks continue to be required in public.
  • The state’s vaccine rollout plan currently allows for those 55 and older as well as prek-12 employees and higher education employees working in campus-based childcare centers and student teachers to be vaccinated. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.
  • All residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. All CSCU employees and non-residential college and university students are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.
The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

2/19/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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This week:

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The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

2/5/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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This week:

  • As of February 4, 2021, Connecticut has administered 5.9 million COVID tests resulting in 257,941 positive cases.  Nearly 7,200 deaths have been reported and currently 837 people are hospitalized.   In addition, the state has administered 459,257 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The universities conducted over 3100 tests of residential students as they arrived back to campus with only 15 positive cases reported.  Additional testing was done with faculty and staff and off campus students with only 1 positive case reported. They have now started weekly testing of 100% of residential students and will be reporting those results to the state and on their dashboards.
  • Employees are reminded of the state’s travel advisory and the requirement to complete the CT travel health form and quarantine for 10-day period if outside of Connecticut for more than 24 hours in states other than New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island or country other than United States. View frequently asked questions about travel policies.
  • All residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. All CSCU employees and non-residential college and university students are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.
  • The state has started the roll out of Phase 1b for vaccines.  Currently individuals over the age of 75 are the priority population for appointments with those 65 and older planned for vaccinations by mid-February.  CSCU employees in these categories are encouraged to register individually through the state vaccine system to get your appointment.   At this time, CSCU employees working on campus are slated to follow the 65 year olds. However, the state continues to modify the priority populations for testing based on risk and vaccine availability. For more information on vaccine eligibility for CSCU employees, contact your COVID Coordinator. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.
  • The state is encouraging colleges and universities to share information with faculty, staff and students about COVID Alert CT which is another tool in the state’s plan to monitor and address the spread of the virus.  Learn more about the app

 

The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

1/22/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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This week:

  • As of January 21, 2021, Connecticut has administered 5.4 million COVID tests resulting in 235,796 positive cases.  More than 6,700 deaths have been reported and currently 1,069 people are hospitalized.   In addition, the state has administered 258,267 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.
  • CCSU students returned to the residence halls on January 19th and the students at the other 3 universities arrive this weekend.  All residential students will be tested and quarantined before they attend in person classes.  The universities will begin reporting testing results on their dashboards in the next two weeks.
  • The community colleges opened for the spring semester this week as well.  Students will learn in an array of modalities with classes and services both online and in person.  This semester we will provide monthly figures on COVID positive students, faculty and staff with the first report on March 5th.
  • Through the state’s Community Testing Program, all residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. Results through this program are available within 72 hours or less in the vast majority of cases. At this time, insurance is not required though some providers may recommend appointments or pre-registration to facilitate expedited testing.  It is recommended to verify hours and clinic sites on the vendor’s website or social media in the event that sites have changed or closed for weather, etc.  All CSCU employees and non-residential college and university students are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.
  • The state has started the roll out of Phase 1b for vaccines over the next few months depending on supply.  Currently individuals over the age of 75 are the priority population for appointments with those 65 and older coming next.  Individuals in these categories are encouraged to register individually through the state vaccine system to get your appointment.  We anticipate other frontline essential workers may come as well before CSCU employees. In the meantime, colleges and universities are developing rosters of employees who are teaching or providing services in person to share with the state as soon as eligible.  For more information on vaccine eligibility for CSCU employees, contact your COVID Coordinator. For more information on CT’s vaccine stages and rollout plan, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine in Connecticut: Main Portal.
  • The state is encouraging colleges and universities to share information with faculty, staff and students about COVID Alert CT which is another tool in the state’s plan to monitor and address the spread of the virus.  Learn more about the app

The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

1/15/21 Update - CSCU Covid-19 Update

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This week:

  • As of January 14, 2021, Connecticut has administered nearly 5 million COVID tests resulting in 221,544 positive cases.  More than 6,500 deaths have been reported and currently 1,118 people are hospitalized.  Nearly 15,000 of those tested were administered to residential students at the universities last semester with 173 positive cases across the four institutions (1% positivity rate for the semester).  The community colleges had a total of 191 students enrolled in on ground courses who tested positive during the semester.
  • The state universities are preparing to kick off the spring semester in the next two weeks.  CCSU will return students to the residence halls on January 19th and the other 3 universities on the weekend of January 23rd.  All residential students will be tested and quarantined before they attend in person classes.
  • The community colleges are preparing for the opening of the spring semester as well on January 22nd.  Classes will continue in an array of modalities with classes and services both online and in person.
  • Through the state’s Community Testing Program, all residents have robust access to no-cost COVID-19 testing through multiple hospital, community health center and other pop-up sites. Results through this program are available within 72 hours or less in the vast majority of cases. At this time, insurance is not required though some providers may recommend appointments or pre-registration to facilitate expedited testing.  It is recommended to verify hours and clinic sites on the vendor’s website or social media in the event that sites have changed or closed for weather, etc.  All CSCU employees and non-residential college and university students are encouraged to take advantage of the state sponsored sites. Find a test site near you.
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The Updates to the Higher Education ReOpen report can be found on our website https://www.ct.edu/covid19 along with these weekly updates and additional information from the planning process.

Covid-19 Updates from 2020 can be found here.

General FAQ

Campus Events

Student Programs continues to offer some fun online events. They’ll be posted on their social media pages – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (@trccspo), and Snapchat (threeriversspo).

Health

I don’t feel well. What should I do?

Contact the TRCC Covid-19 Coordinator Steve Goetchius at 860-215-9002. Whether you are a student, faculty or staff, he will take your information and take next steps. Here is flow chart that covers the various processes depending on the situation.

How can I tell if I have Coronavirus?

We’re all wondering if our sniffles and sneezes could be the coronavirus. CNN has posted an informative article called Is it allergies, the flu or the coronavirus? How to tell the difference. It provides helpful details to distinguish your symptoms.

What can I do to prevent getting Coronavirus?

All students, faculty, and staff can help to prevent the spread of COVID‐19 and other infectious diseases by:

  • Hand Hygiene –
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using a restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. To learn more about proper handwashing, visit the CDC’s website, When and How to Wash Your Hands (CDC).
    • Handwashing is most effective. However if soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizers that, in order to work against the corona virus, must be made of at least 60% alcohol.
  • Respiratory Etiquette – Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. The CDC provides detailed information on Home Cleaning and Disinfection. The CDC site on Preventing COVID‐19 spread in Communities is also extremely helpful.

If I think I have Coronavirus – COVID-19, what should I do?

  • Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
  • Stay home except to get medical care.
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean your hands often.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items.
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.
  • Monitor your symptoms
  • If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, you must notify the College as soon as possible by filling out this Coronavirus Quarantine Reporting form.
  • Full guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at What To Do If You Are Sick (CDC).

Additional Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Disclaimer

Beginning March 2020, Connecticut along with the rest of the United States suffered the effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Day-to-day life as it existed before the pandemic changed drastically, and individuals and institutions adapted to new practices and behaviors. Normative actions now include wearing facial masks, maintaining social distance, and working and learning remotely. Learning about and adherence to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance has become a way of life. As we plan for the next academic year, so much is uncertain, including the continuing threat of COVID-19.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) must adapt to meet this reality. Going forward, it is up to all of us – faculty, staff and students – to do our part to ensure our campus community stays as healthy and safe as possible. This is a shared responsibility, and every member of our community must adhere to national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements, and adhere to those measures Three Rivers Community College deems safe and appropriate for the campus. This will include social distancing, wearing masks or other facial coverings, not reporting to class or work if sick, and isolating when required.

Although Three Rivers Community College is readily developing a schedule of courses that include some in-class and on-ground instruction, no one knows what the future may hold. In the case of an outbreak of the coronavirus or other illness, the institutions reserve the right to adapt the format of any class to an entirely online/distance learning modality as public health conditions warrant. Such change will not result in any increase or decrease of tuition and fees. We all understand that tuition and fees are in exchange for learning, academic credit, and certain non-academic services regardless of whether taught on-ground, in a hybrid environment or entirely remotely.

Most important to CSCU and Three Rivers Community College is the health, safety and welfare of every member of its community. Yet, despite campus efforts to comply with health and safety guidelines, it is not possible to guarantee a disease free environment, or to guarantee that campuses will not close and return to an online-only learning environment. These are the realities of working and learning during a pandemic. If you choose to return to campus during the pandemic, you accept that you are willing to do your part to keep the campus safe and acknowledge that you may be required to complete your course work in a remote learning environment.

The Three Rivers Community College community is looking forward to welcoming you back.

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