COVID-19

CDC image related to COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Click here for information and safety advice

GCCC will be extending Spring Break through March 29 and moving classes to an online format starting March 30 for the remainder of Spring 2020. All campus events, including commencement, are cancelled through the end of the spring term (May 14, 2020). A virtual commencement will be held; details are forthcoming. 

Additionally, campus buildings are closed to the public effective March 23. However, campus operations are still intact, and students can still access advising, enrollment, and other important student services via phone, email, etc.

Learn more regarding these safety measures in our latest message from Dr. Ruda regarding our COVID-19 response. 

A Message from GCCC:

Garden City Community College takes the health and safety of its students and campus community very seriously. In response to the growing number of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S. and new cases in Kansas, our leadership is continuing to monitor reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is working closely with the Finney County Health Department to keep everyone on campus safe and informed. 

Because of these ongoing developments, the uncertainty of how this virus may spread to other locations, as well as the uncertainty of when and how governments may respond to this virus, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to evaluate their travel plans in the immediate future, including Spring Break (March 16-20, 2020).

Risks of travel could include contracting the virus, having travel restrictions imposed by local or foreign governments and health authorities, or being quarantined or physically isolated from others for extended periods of time (currently 14 days).

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • If you have certain health conditions, you are at an increased risk of complications from influenza like illness, i.e. pregnancy, respiratory disorders (asthma, bronchitis, etc.); heart disorders; disorders of the immune system; hematological disorders; neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders (diabetes); epilepsy; or any condition which would put you in a weakened state to fight disease (including cancer and cancer treatments).
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow. Then follow up with washing the area.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. (If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.)
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 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 healthcare facility).
 
  • Stay home, self-isolate.
  • Contact Finney County Health Department or GCCC Student Health Services by phone. If unavailable or after business hours contact St. Catherine Hospital.

AVOID EXPOSING PUBLIC WAITING AREAS BY CALLING AHEAD

  1. Finney County Health Department - 620-272-3600  (Monday-Thursday 7 AM to 5:30 PM)
  2. GCCC Student Health Services - 620-276-9601 (Monday- Thursday 8 AM - 4:30 PM; Friday 8 AM - 4 PM)
  3. Catherine Hospital - 620-272-2222

 

In case of emergency or extreme distress, call 911:

  • Students will need to contact instructors, supervisors and/or coaches by phone or email.
    • GCCC resident students will receive further information regarding housing instructions.
  • Employees will need to contact their direct supervisors by phone or email.
  • Follow all instructions given and do not return to campus until you are released to do so.
 

Please continue to check back here for updates on our response to COVID-19 or changes to our campus schedule. 

For health-related questions or inquiries, please contact the Finney County Health Department's 24-hour hotline at 620-272-3600.