Safety First: coronavirus information and resources at HFC

As of Winter 2022, the College has adopted the updated CDC guidelines for COVID-related quarantine and isolation. These guidelines are based on evidence about the spread of COVID and infection rates from those who have contracted or been exposed to COVID.

Please note that existing HFC COVID safety requirements listed on this webpage remain in full effect for everyone on our campuses.

For the purposes of the updated guidelines below, “fully vaccinated or immunized” is defined by Wayne County as two weeks after the final dose of your vaccine, or you have recovered from a confirmed case of COVID in the last 90 days. (Final dose includes the J&J first dose, Pfizer or Moderna second dose, or any of the three boosters).

Quarantine (no symptoms)

Quarantine applies if you may have been exposed to the virus and therefore need to stay away from others to reduce the risk of spread.

If you were exposed and have no symptoms and are fully vaccinated or immunized, you do not need to quarantine. You should monitor for the emergence of any symptoms and wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days from your initial exposure, whenever you are around other people.

If you were exposed and have no symptoms and are NOT fully vaccinated, you must quarantine through day 5 after your initial exposure. On day 6, you may return to classes or work if you meet ALL of the following conditions:

1. You have not developed any symptoms and have not tested positive for COVID, AND
2. Test negative for COVID on day 5, AND
3. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask for the next five days whenever you are around other people.

If you develop symptoms, follow the isolation guidelines below.

Isolation (symptoms or positive test)

Isolation applies if you have tested positive for COVID or have symptoms and have not yet received a negative test result or other diagnosis. For isolation, day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of your positive test, whichever occurs first.

You may return to classes or work as early as Day 6, if you meet all of the following conditions.

1. Fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications, AND
2. Significant improvement in symptoms or are without symptoms, AND
3. Continue to wear a well-fitting mask through day 10.

The CDC defines a well-fitting mask as:
a. It has two or more layers of breathable fabric – washable or disposable
b. It completely covers your nose and mouth, and comes under your chin.
c. It fits snugly against the sides of your face and does not have gaps.

Students and employees should continue to stay home past day 6 if you do not feel well.

These guidelines are represented in this PDF graphic, for quick reference.

Questions about these guidelines should be referred to Tiffany Webster in HR (employees) or Munira Kassim in Student Affairs (students). If you test positive for COVID or know you have been exposed, continue to report this information to Tiffany and Munira.

Faculty, staff, and students should not come to Henry Ford College campuses, clinical sites, or work/apprenticeship sites if they are sick or know they have been exposed to COVID. They should notify HFC officials if they become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case. (Health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19 patients in the course of their jobs and who use appropriate PPE and health care safety do not need to follow the reporting and isolation procedures.)

If employees are sick or have been exposed, they should notify their supervisor and Tiffany Webster at tlwebster1@hfcc.edu or 313-845-9692.

If students are sick or have been exposed, they should notify their instructors and Munira Kassim at mmkassim@hfcc.edu or 313-845-6301.

If notified of illness of someone who is on campus, Campus Safety and the HFC officials identified above will follow the CDC guidance to isolate and transport them, will share home isolation criteria and testing information, and encourage them to contact their healthcare provider.

If notified of an illness of someone who is not currently on campus, the HFC officials identified above will share the home isolation criteria and testing information with the individual, and will also encourage the individual to contact their healthcare provider.

How you will be notified if you have potentially been exposed on campus

In cases where we learn that employees or students may have been at risk of potential exposure, HR will notify these employees or students of a potential exposure and recommend they get tested. Any requirements for quarantine will be shared on a case-by-case basis.

To follow HIPAA requirements and respect individuals' privacy, the College will not share details of individuals' illnesses. If we learn of employees' or students' COVID exposures or illnesses that take place off-campus, and those individuals were not on campus to potentially expose others, we will not notify coworkers or classmates. Individuals will not be able to return to campus until they have followed all quarantine procedures and are symptom-free.

Further details are provided in the 14-page PDF document: HFC protocols for when someone gets sick

The College does not provide medical advice. This information is not intended to be medical advice. This information in this document and on this website follows the CDC guidelines. Please always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, being present in public spaces, including Henry Ford College campuses and work sites, carries a risk that you may be infected with the virus.

You can significantly reduce your risk of a serious COVID infection by getting vaccinated. Vaccination information is available on this webpage.

While Henry Ford College is doing what it can to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on our campuses, the College cannot guarantee your safety. Please follow all policies, regulations, signage, and guidance from College officials while you are on our campuses, such as pre-screening, wearing face masks, sanitizing, and social distancing.

While the vaccines currently being administered will reduce risk for most, they do not eliminate the risk. This graphic describes the relative risks to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals who follow (or do not follow) recommended safety procedures.

Further information about how to manage your risks is included on this website. The information on this website should not be construed as medical or legal advice. Consult your physician or other licensed professional for information pertaining to your personal health and wellness.

If you believe you have been exposed to Coronavirus, or you or a family member are experiencing symptoms and would like to be tested for coronavirus, please refer to Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest to find a site near you that offers free testing.

To obtain this information by phone, Call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 and select 1.

You may also contact your health care professional to discuss testing.

While there is no way to guarantee you will not catch an infectious disease, you can take significant steps to increase your chances of staying healthy. This reminder of healthy habits and prevention emphasizes proven techniques that might be helpful to you. Winter, in particular, tends to be a time when respiratory and intestinal illnesses like cold and flu are prevalent.

NOTE: There are many online sources for information about avoiding infection with coronavirus. Some include:

• CDC "Stop the Spread of Germs" poster
• CDC "What to do if you are sick with COVID-19" poster
• CDC fact sheet
• CDC resource site

You will find many other sources that provide similar tips to the list below.

Hygiene:

1. First, and most important, wash your hands regularly, and thoroughly with soap and water. This is especially important after you handle food, use the restroom, use public transportation, spend time in a public place, or find yourself in close proximity to people who are sick.

2. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. The preferred method is to use the crook of your elbow if you need to sneeze. Face away from others, and use a tissue if possible. Wash your hands afterward!

3. Some people keep a container of hand sanitizer near their desk or in their backpack or purse. If you do not have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol as a good option for killing germs.

4. Try to avoid touching your face, mouth, and nose when you are in public places. This will help you avoid transferring germs from surfaces and implements into your respiratory and digestive tract.

5. Wash sheets, towels, hats, scarves, and similar items regularly – and immediately if you’ve been sick.

Touching people and things:

1. Cell phones and germs: cell phones are notoriously covered with germs. Avoid picking up or handling someone else’s cell phone. Don’t let others handle your cell phone. And clean your cell phone’s surfaces frequently!

2. Clean and disinfect surfaces, such as countertops, desktops, and doorknobs, that are likely to be contaminated with germs.

3. Office and classroom implements like pens, pencils, staplers, tape dispensers, computer keyboards / mice, and phones are all items that carry germs. Wash your hands if you are sharing these items with others or using labs.

4. Avoid close contact with sick people. Do not shake hands with people if you or they are sick. If your intimate partner has a cold or flu, keep your distance until they have fully recovered.

5. Don’t put your backpack, coat, or other outerwear on your bed or pillow. These items can pick up all kinds of germs (and dirt) that you don’t want on your face.

6. Do not share toiletries or makeup with roommates.

7. If you are sick, you should stay home.

8. Avoid physical social contact, such as shaking hands or hugging people you don't know well. You can use a warm verbal greeting or a nod and smile as alternatives to touching.

Food and food implements:

1. Maintain a healthy diet if you can. Eat mostly fresh foods, and minimal processed or junk foods.

2. Do not partake of food items that others may have touched with bare hands. Bowls of unwrapped mints, candies, or chocolates are high risk spots for germs.

3. Do not eat perishable food that has been sitting out for a long period of time.

4. Do not share beverage containers, dishes, or utensils with others. Wash your dishes in hot, soapy water and rinse before re-using them.

5. If you are visiting a food buffet, consider using a napkin or wearing a glove so you are not touching the serving implements that others have touched with bare hands.

6. Do not place food or snacks directly on surfaces. Use a plate or napkin to protect yourself from transferring germs to your food before consuming it.

Other tips for staying healthy:

1. Get a flu shot when they are available.

2. If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others. Notify your supervisor, instructor, or students if you can’t make it to class or work because you are sick.

3. Maintain a healthy diet.

4. Get enough sleep.

5. Exercise regularly.

6. Limit your alcohol intake.

7. Spend time with people who care about you. This can help with physical, mental, and emotional health.

8. Keep your stress levels manageable (some of the above tips can help. Counseling is also available on campus if you need it.)

9. Wear a protective mask when you are in public places.

If you do get sick, especially if your symptoms are severe or you’re not recovering, seek immediate medical attention.