Novel Coronavirus
Resources & Updates
HCCC is responding to unprecedented challenges related to the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of the HCCC community is the College’s number one priority. The HCCC Coronavirus Task Force has worked to act in accordance to guidance from public health agencies and the most current information as the situation unfolds.
If you have a concern or question related to COVID-19, please complete this form and a member of the Coronavirus Taskforce will respond to you within 24 hours.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) continue to address the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at national and global levels. Hudson County Community College health experts and emergency preparedness officials have also been monitoring this concern locally in collaboration with Hudson County and New Jersey State health organizations.
In addition, the College is proactively managing the indirect impacts that coronavirus may have on College operations. President Chris Reber has established the Coronavirus Planning Task Force to plan holistically for how the situation may affect the entirety of the institution in areas including public health matters, campus climate, College travel, student applications and enrollment, and the overall well-being of College community members.
This website is provided to all HCCC community members as a reference on coronavirus locally and as guidance on whom to contact with specific concerns about its impact here and abroad.
April 15, 2020 – HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber thanks the College community and shares some updates on Federal Stimulus Funding for HCCC, Tuition and Fees, Summer Sessions, and 2020 Commencement plans.
March 30, 2020 – HCCC President Chris Reber shares a heartfelt message to welcome and update the College community following spring break. He discusses the just announced Pass/Fail grading option, purchase of Chromebooks for loan to students, and he thanks community members for their service.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ will be updated as coronavirus information changes or becomes available.
What do we currently know about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that first emerged in Wuhan, China in 2019. The CDC publicly acknowledged on Feb. 21, 2020 that although the agency is taking historic measures to slow the introduction of coronavirus into the United States, the country should prepare for the possibility of community spread, as seen in China and neighboring Asian countries.
The CDC has the most up-to-date public health and risk information. The College continues to monitor coronavirus closely in collaboration with the Hudson Regional Health Commission.
How dangerous is it?
Coronavirus currently has no treatment or vaccine, so its duration as a health crisis is still unknown. As with other respiratory illnesses, infection with coronavirus can cause mild symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever. It can be more severe for some and lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions or compromised immune systems appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with coronavirus and have a higher risk for it to be life-threatening.
The complete clinical picture of coronavirus is not fully understood at this time, and there are ongoing investigations in the U.S. and globally to learn more. Since this is a rapidly evolving situation, updates will be made to this site as more information becomes available.
Are there ways to prevent contracting the virus?
When it comes to preventing all viruses, including the flu, the following guidance holds true:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. In addition, when you are sick, stay home.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get your flu vaccine—it’s not too late to benefit from it. Members of the College community should contact their primary care provider or visit pharmacies with on-site flu vaccinations, including Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens.
Should I wear a mask?
The CDC does not currently recommend the use of face masks for the general public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
What is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
Isolation involves separating ill persons from well persons.
Quarantine involves separating well persons, who have been exposed to the infection, from other well persons during the incubation period of an illness. The current quarantine for coronavirus is 14 days.
You can find out more information regarding various terminology associated with coronavirus on the College’s Coronavirus Terminology
Can I travel outside of the United States?
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Global Health Advisory (Level 4: Do not Travel). “The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.” As this situation continues to evolve very rapidly, please review the latest travel advisories before planning any travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
What is the College doing to protect the campus community?
In collaboration with College health professionals and the Hudson Regional Health Commission. HCCC continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak closely.
In addition, the College has convened a response team and a number of sub-teams to plan holistically for how the situation may affect the entirety of the institution in areas including public health matters, campus climate, College travel, student applications and enrollment, supply chain issues, and the overall well-being of College community members.
The College is continuously monitoring the situation in conjunction with local, state, and national public health authorities.
Are campus events and activities being cancelled in response to coronavirus?
The College has made the decision to continue fully online/virtual instruction through at least the end of the spring semester.
We have moved all of the College’s operations to remote locations effective immediately. Our offices and buildings, including the libraries and computer labs, are therefore closed until further notice. We do hope to continue providing services in our food pantries, and we will be identifying essential personnel for authorization from the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management to be on campus when necessary on a very limited basis.
What counseling and support resources are available at HCCC?
We understand members of our community may be concerned and anxious, especially if they have loved ones in areas of the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. If students, faculty, or staff wish to speak with someone about their worries or other personal concerns, the following resources are available: