College Communications

View the EFSC COVID Plan

EFSC COVID-19 Transitional Operations Plan

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Summer Terms Begins; Fall Term Registration Underway; COVID Reporting Process Remains in Place

Updated May 15, 2023 - Fall Term course registration is underway, as full term Summer courses begin, with shorter term Summer classes starting in June available for registration as well. The College continues to operate at normal, full-capacity, pre-COVID operations, with the college's COVID-19 Reporting Process remaining in effect to limit the spread of the virus.

EFSC's COVID tracking process continues. EFSC students, faculty and staff who have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus through a close contact must report the exposure, but are no longer required to quarantine unless they are experiencing possible COVID-19 symtoms, or have tested positive. Those with a positive test or symptoms must be cleared to return to campus. View details on the student and employee reporting and return to campus process.

Normal operations resumed on May 16, 2022 after EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey announced the plan in an email to students, faculty and staff, saying: "That means our social distancing requirement will end, allowing in-person classes to return to full capacity seating along with full capacity seating for college events. The college had previously made mask wearing optional. Those who want to continue wearing a mask may do so."
 
"Please know we will remain vigilant against the virus and take protective measures again, if needed."

Safety protocols include the COVID reporting process and encouraging but not requiring vaccinations.

Summer and Fall Enrollment Assistance Available Now

• The Summer and Fall Term Class Schedule is posted and registration is underway for classes that start in May, June, August, September and October. Apply now so you are ready to register if you have not already been accepted to EFSC

• Prospective students can apply to EFSC any time due to our open enrollment policy, with priority application deadlines designed to allow time to complete all requirements in time for course registration. Please note that certain limited access programs may have additional application requirements and earlier deadlines.

• Spring 2023 Commencement was held  on May 11, 2023 with the Spring graduation hub available now.

• See the Student Services Guide for current information about the availability of on-campus and virtual services, and how to make appointments for services if required.

• Support for students includes the Titan Virtual Hub.

• Visit the 211 Brevard Information site for current COVID testing site locations.

• COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in Brevard County and the CDC continues to urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so. Visit the 211 Brevard information website for local vaccine options. We understand it may take time for all persons wanting a vaccine to obtain one.

• Faculty and staff should continue to allow mask wearing for anyone who wants to wear one. In addition, faculty and staff should refrain from requiring proof of vaccination.

• Individuals are considered fully vaccinated at two weeks after the second shot in a two-dose regimen or two weeks after a one-shot regimen COVID vaccine.

• View the updated CDC guidance, announced on August 11th, to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others, what actions to take if exposed to COVID-19, and what actions to take if they are sick or test positive for the virus.

Phased Reopening Plan Continues to Guide Decisions in 2023

EFSC officials have been guided by a four-phase reopening plan that was approved June 15, 2020 by the Board of Trustees. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County and a team of faculty and staff members, the College moved to Phase 3 in August 2020, with the return of many campus services but with social distancing requirements in place. On May 19, 2021, masks became optional on campus and in buildings based on CDC guidance.

On March 24, 2022, EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey announced that the College would return to normal pre-COVID operation on May 16, 2022, essentially Phase 4 of the EFSC Reopening Plan.

Even with normal operations now underway, the College's COVID tracking process will remain in place until further notice for students, faculty and staff.

While encouraged by the progress, EFSC administrators will continue to closely monitor the pandemic and take protective measures again if needed to safeguard our college community.

Related Resources

 

Coronavirus Resources

Health Guidance

Visit the U.S. government Centers for Disease Control website for the most current, detailed guidance on precautions.

Review EFSC's COVID-19 reporting requirements if you have tested positive, been exposed to someone with the virus, or are experiencing possible COVID symptoms.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), contact your healthcare provider. Call ahead to advise the doctor’s office of recent travel. Anyone with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of Coronavirus will be guided by the treating physician.

If you have symptoms consistent with the Coronavirus, wear a mask or face covering when you are in the same room with other people and when you visit your healthcare provider.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the community at large, as well as our College community, should be aware of the following coronavirus information:

The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person by droplets:
•    Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 3 to 6 feet - so maintain social distancing).
•    Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
•    People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest.
•    Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms.
•    It may be possible that a person can get coronavirus by touching a surface containing droplets.

The symptoms of coronavirus may appear 2 to 4 days after exposure. Contact your healthcare practitioner if you have fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Most people recover without needing special treatment. However, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, and an impaired immune system are more prone to develop a serious illness.

Preventive Measures

Visit the CDC website for the most current preventive measures.

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in Brevard County and the CDC continues to urge those who have not been vaccinated to do so as the vaccine provides protection against serious illness and hospitalization in most cases. Visit the 211 Brevard information website for local vaccine options.

•    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. The CDC recommends social distancing of at least 6 feet.
•    Stay home when you are sick
•    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
•    Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, particularly if you have been in contact with someone who is sick
•    Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
•    Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Social distancing measures remain in place on EFSC Campuses in Student Services areas and classrooms until May 16, 2022 when the college plans to return to normal operations with full capacity classes. Safety protocol requirements remain in effect until that mid-May 2022 date.

As of May 19, 2021, and based on CDC guidelines, masks are optional and not mandatory for students, faculty, staff and guests at EFSC Campuses and all facilities. The CDC guidlines state that fully vaccinated individuals can resume normal activites without wearing a mask, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules, regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC recommends that non-vaccinated individuals continue wearing a mask.

Travel Guidance and Restrictions

View the latest State Dept. travel advisories.

Students and employees who have traveled to countries identified by the CDC/U.S. government with a Travel Health Notice are required to self-quarantine and not return to campus for 14 days after arriving home.

For employees impacted by this self-quarantine, please contact Human Resources at 321-433-7084. Students impacted by a travel-related quarantine should contact Lisa Ginn, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, at 321-433-7380.

EFSC study abroad trips are being assessed based on the state of the pandemic and travel guidance for the countries involved in the travel.

Conditions can change rapidly in other countries and could impact the ability to re-enter the United States. Other countries may decide to implement travel restrictions with very little notice.

For domestic travel, view the CDC recommendations.

Resources and Contacts

Florida Department of Health Coronavirus Call Center

1-866-779-6121
Email: COVID-19@flhealth.gov
The Call Center is available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Florida Department of Health Website

Federal Government

Centers for Disease Control Website

Brevard County

Brevard County Emergency Management Center COVID-19 Information

211 Brevard is taking calls about COVID-19
Dial 211 – available between 8 AM and 6 PM
211 Brevard Website

EFSC Emergency Hotline (updated as needed)
1-888-609-3313