Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Employee Protocols when Exposed/Tested Positive for COVID-19

NCCC’s protocols when employees need to isolate if they have either tested positive for COVID-19 or are required to self-quarantine due to being in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are the following:

• Employees (vaccinated and unvaccinated) who have tested positive for COVID-19 (regardless of whether the employee is symptomatic or asymptomatic) will need to isolate and may return to work after 5 days of isolation (1) from the onset of symptoms or (2) after the first positive test if they remain asymptomatic. Employees can be released from isolation after the completion of 5 days of isolation if he/she has been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and their other symptoms are resolving.  Employees are not required to take another COVID-19 test and test negative in order to return to work. However, if the employee is still experiencing a fever and/or their symptoms of COVID-19 are not resolving after the conclusion of the 5-day isolation period they should contact their Healthcare Provider and/or the local Department of Health to determine if their isolation should be extended another 5 days and remain off campus. Contact Jonathan Bellomo, Assistant Director of Human Resources for further guidance.  Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11.  You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
• Fully Vaccinated/Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated employees (1) who have had “close or proximate contact” with a person infected with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (15 minutes cumulative in a 24-hour period without social distancing or in the same “space” for 60 minutes or more) and (2) who are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, should isolate and contact their Healthcare Provider and/or get tested for COVID. If positive, follow the above instructions, if negative, they can end their isolation.
• Fully vaccinated/Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated employees (1) who have had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time and (2) who are not experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms do not need to quarantine. Instead of quarantining you should wear a high- quality mask for 10 days and get a COVID test on day 5.  If test is positive then will need to isolate.
• Employees (vaccinated and unvaccinated) who, have not had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19, (1) exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19 before work or upon arriving at work or (2) become sick with COVID-19 symptoms while at work must be separated and sent home immediately and may only return to work after obtaining clearance from their Healthcare Provider or upon receipt of one negative COVID-19 test result. Jonathan Bellomo, Assistant Director of Human Resources and Cheri Yager, Wellness Supervisor must be notified as well.

The only time a negative COVID test is required in order for an employee to return to work is when employee is experiencing symptoms of COVID and does not have knowledge of having been in close contact with a person who tested positive or has been advised by their Healthcare Provider to get tested.

As a reminder, employees are required to self-monitor their health prior to work and throughout the day. If you become ill and are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, contact Cheri Yager in the Wellness office, Jonathan Bellomo in the HR office, as they will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. You may also contact the NYS Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at (888)364-3065. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and not report to work on campus, so you do not potentially expose employees and students. Your supervisor will consult with HR to determine if you are able to perform work remotely or if you are eligible for paid leave.  If you have any further questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact Jonathan Bellomo.

August 30, 2022

COVID-19 Employee Protocols – Paid Leave Eligibility

The COVID-19 pandemic remains in our community and for some affecting daily life. Therefore, the following will be implemented until notified otherwise:

Subject to a quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19

• Employees who are unable to work remotely due to being subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, when issued by the State of New York, New York Department of Health, Local Board of Health, or any governmental entity duly authorized to issue a mandatory or precautionary order will be eligible for paid leave under the New York State COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave law.
• • To be eligible for this NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave, employees must submit their quarantine or isolation order issued by either the State of New York, NY DOH, Local Board of Health, or any entity duly authorized to issue a mandatory or precautionary order to Jonathan Bellomo in Human Resources.
  • Employees will receive up to 14 days of paid sick leave during the applicable COVID-19 related quarantine or isolation leave period. Employees able to work remotely will be expected to do so during this period. Employees deemed essential and unable to work from home will be paid for missed time work in accordance with the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave law for their mandatory quarantine or isolation.
  • Employees will have job protection for the duration of their quarantine/isolation.
  • Employees who choose to self-isolate or are advised by their personal health care provider to quarantine absent an order from the government are not eligible for this paid leave. Employees will be required to utilize their leave accruals during this time missed from work if unable to work remotely.

Time missed from work due to other COVID-19 related reasons

• Employees experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis must have a COVID-19 test performed and test negative prior to returning to campus. Employees who are able to work remotely will be expected to do so during this period. Employees that choose not to work remotely or are unable to due to their job responsibilities then sick leave will be required to be used if they end up testing negative. If they test positive then the missed time from work would be covered under the NYS Paid COVID leave.
• An employee who tests positive and is subject to a mandatory order of quarantine or isolation the employee would be eligible for up to 14 days of paid sick leave during their quarantine/isolation period unless they are able to work remotely. This will be determined by the Supervisor in consultation with Jonathan Bellomo, Assistant Director of Human Resources.
• Employees deemed essential and are unable to work from home will be paid via the NYS COVID-19 for up to14 days.
• NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave applies only to an employee’s order of quarantine or isolation. Employees will not be eligible for paid leave to care for immediate family members living in the same household who are subject to a quarantine or isolation order. Employees in this situation can request to work remotely during this time by contacting Jonathan Bellomo in Human Resources. If approved, the employee is expected to work remotely during this period. An employee who chooses not to work remotely or is not approved for remote work will be required to use sick leave to care for their family member.

This policy is subject to change based on updated guidance and regulations from the Federal and State Government, as well as the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy will be reviewed and modified as necessary based on the needs of the College.

August 11, 2021

COVID-19 Employee Protocols

The COVID-19 pandemic remains in our community and for some affecting daily life.  Therefore, the following will be implemented until notified otherwise:

Subject to a quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19

• Employees who are unable to work remotely due to being subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19, when issued by the State of New York, New York Department of Health, Local Board of Health, or any governmental entity duly authorized to issue a mandatory or precautionary order will be eligible for paid leave under the New York State COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave law.
• • To be eligible for this NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave, employees must submit their quarantine or isolation order issued by either the State of New York, NY DOH, Local Board of Health, or any entity duly authorized to issue a mandatory or precautionary order to Jonathan Bellomo in Human Resources.
  • Employees will receive at least 14 days of paid sick leave during the applicable COVID-19 related quarantine or isolation leave period.  Employees able to work remotely will be expected to do so during this period.  Employees deemed essential and unable to work from home will be paid for missed time work in accordance with the COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave law for their mandatory quarantine or isolation.
  • Employees will have job protection for the duration of their quarantine/isolation.
  • Employees who choose to self-isolate or are advised by their personal health care provider to quarantine absent an order from the government are not eligible for this paid leave.  Employees will be required to utilize their leave accruals during this time missed from work if unable to work remotely.

Time missed from work due to other COVID-19 related reasons

• Employees experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and seeking a medical diagnosis must have a COVID-19 test performed and test negative prior to returning to campus. Employees who are able to work remotely will be expected to do so during this period.  Employees that choose not to work remotely or are unable to due to their job responsibilities then sick leave will be required to be used.
• An employee who tests positive and is subject to a mandatory order of quarantine or isolation the employee would be eligible for at least 10 days of paid sick leave during their quarantine/isolation period unless they are able to work remotely.  This will be determined by the Supervisor in consultation with Jonathan Bellomo, Assistant Director of Human Resources.
• Employees deemed essential and are unable to work from home will be paid for the 10 days via the NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave.
• NYS COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave applies only to an employee’s order of quarantine or isolation.  Employees will not be eligible for paid leave to care for immediate family members living in the same household who are subject to a quarantine or isolation order.  Employees in this situation can request to work remotely during this time by contacting Jonathan Bellomo in Human Resources.  If approved, the employee is expected to work remotely during this period. An employee who chooses not to work remotely or is not approved for remote work will be required to use sick leave to care for their family member.

This policy is subject to change based on updated guidance and regulations from the Federal and State Government, as well as the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy will be reviewed and modified as necessary based on the needs of the College.

August 9, 2021 (Updated on 8/26/21)

Fall 2021 Return

Safe Return to Campus

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, Niagara County Community College (NCCC) has followed safety protocols that supported a modified operation of classes and operations. All NCCC stakeholders have been very cooperative and helped ensure that we provided the safest operation possible. As the nation moves toward the next phase in the pandemic, NCCC has established a safety plan to help the campus return to pre-pandemic normalcy. The plan relies on the campus constituents remaining vigilant and committed to following the protocols below:

1. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccine. As a result, all Niagara County Community College students will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend in-person classes or receive any in-person services on campus in the fall semester. This is a state-mandated directive for all students attending any class’s on-campus to be vaccinated. There is an up to 35-day grace period to allow students to provide proof of vaccination. All students MUST begin the process within the next 7 – 10 days to meet a September 27, 2021 deadline. Currently, students are the only group subject to the mandate. However, we are encouraging NCCC faculty and staff to get vaccinated, and will be working with our collective bargaining units to come to an agreement to require ALL employees to be fully vaccinated.
2. All students and employees should verify with the campus they have been vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination card. Students should provide their information to the Wellness Center located at C-122. Employees should provide their information to the Human Resources office located at A-261. A sticker will be provided to the student and employee to place on the back of their ID badge.
3. Due to the recent rise in COVID cases due to the delta variant, NCCC has reintroduced the masking policy – requiring ALL people on campus (students, faculty, staff, visitors) to wear a mask at all times, EXCEPT when they are actively eating, or alone in their personal office. The campus will adhere to this guidance until notified otherwise.
4. Testing will remain a key component of our safety protocols.
5. Employees who have verified proof of vaccination(s) will not be required to be tested, unless they do so voluntarily or display symptoms upon entering the campus. Students can do so voluntarily even though they have been vaccinated or if they are displaying symptoms.
6. Students who have been given a medical exemption or religious exemption from receiving the COVID vaccination, will be required to test weekly. All costs incurred for required testing on campus will be covered in full by the College. If students do not test according to the requirements, they will be restricted from entering campus until they have been tested or verify proof of a negative test from an authorized outside testing center. Students who fail to adhere to the testing protocol will be subject to discipline as outlined in the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities, Code of Conduct.
7. Employees who have NOT verified proof of their vaccination(s) will be subject to testing protocols and will be required to test weekly. All costs incurred for required testing on campus will be covered in full by the College. If employees do not test according to the requirements, they will be restricted from entering campus until they have been tested or verify proof of a negative test from an authorized outside testing center. Employees who fail to adhere to the testing protocol will be subject to discipline as outlined in the Administrative Conditions of Employment Handbook or appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement; therefore, such employees will be restricted from entering campus and considered not available for work and will need to use leave accruals or loss of pay.
8. All athletes MUST be fully vaccinated prior to any intercollegiate / club sport activity (including practice and competition). Athletes while not actively participating in the competition or practice will be required to wear a facial mask.
9. All residential students who do not have a verified vaccination MUST provide a negative test, completed no more than 5 days prior to move-in and provide attestation of a 10-day self-quarantine prior to receiving access to their assigned room. This information MUST be provided to the housing office. Vaccinated students may request a room assignment with only fully vaccinated students. All residential students MUST be fully vaccinated by September 27, 2021.

All employees who have not provided proof of vaccination(s), MUST continue to self-screen on Banner Web prior to entering the campus. Individuals experiencing symptoms or who have answered yes to any of the questions should not report to campus and should contact the Wellness Center at 716-614-6277 for further guidance.

Thank you for your cooperation and for ensuring a safe environment for our students and employees.

***As guidance and conditions are constantly evolving, the recent guidance is subject to change. Further correspondence will follow as required.

View/download a PDF of the above Safe Return to Campus information.

April 8, 2021

NYS Vaccine Leave Guidance

View the posted information and FAQ.

March 17, 2021

Leave for COVID-19 Vaccinations

View the updated policy bulletin.

February 19, 2020

Independent Health COVID Resource Guide

View the Resource Guide.

December 22, 2020

Spring 2021 Semester First 2 Weeks

The State University of New York (SUNY) and Niagara County Community College are committed to ensuring the safety and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff during this time of the COVID pandemic. As such, we are following special guidance from SUNY that may affect Spring 2021 course schedules.

November 12, 2020

Information on Mandatory Testing and Work Schedule After Thanksgiving Break

With the constant changing of guidance and direction associated with COVID-19, NCCC wants to provide details on what to expect for the remainder of the fall semester. Based on the directive from SUNY and in accordance with NYS recent guidance the following details pertain to our campuses plan:

1. Pool testing (Pre-Thanksgiving):
   1. On 11/16/2020 – 11/19/2020, from 7am to 6pm NCCC will be conducting testing on 100% of students, staff, and faculty that have an onsite presence. For the Sanborn campus, this will be performed in the Dolce Valvo Art Gallery located adjacent to the Learning Commons.
   2. On 11/20/2020, 11/23/2020, 11/24/2020, and 11/25/2020 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, we will conduct testing for those faculty, staff, and students, we missed the previous week. This testing will only occur on the Sanborn campus in the Art Gallery.
   3. On 11/16/2020, from 8am to 6pm, NCCC will be conducting testing at the NFCI campus. This testing will be conducted in the Culinary Theater located on the 1^st floor of the campus.
   4. This testing is mandatory and in direct compliance with SUNY directives and our approved fall testing plan. Failure to comply will result in access to the campus being denied.
2. Pool testing (Post-Thanksgiving):
   1. The week of 11/30/2020 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 10am-3pm we will be conducting testing on 100% of students, staff, and faculty that have an onsite presence.  The Sanborn campus will be performed in the Dolce Valvo Art Gallery located adjacent to the Learning Commons.
   2. On 12/2/2020, from 8am to 4pm, testing will be conducted at the NFCI campus. This testing will be in the Culinary Theater located on the 1^st floor of the campus.
   3. This testing is mandatory and in direct compliance with SUNY directives and our approved fall testing plan. Failure to comply will result in access to the campus being denied.
3. Schedule and Hours of work:
   1. All employees will continue to work their current schedule, as the campus remains open for normal business operations. The campus will continue to update employees on any work location changes. In the event employees are working remotely due to a directive by SUNY or Governor Cuomo we ask that you have a laptop if needed to perform your job functions and ensure it is functioning properly. If service is needed, please make sure you bring it to OIT to correct any technical issues.
4. Instructional Schedule:
   1. The campus will continue to have onsite instruction pre and post-Thanksgiving. Some courses will move to fully remote learning, many labs, technology-specific dependent courses, and high contact courses will continue to be conducted in face-to-face settings on campus.
   2. For a full list of courses and instructional methods with a face-to-face or hybrid component, use the following link as a reference. Students will be contacted by their program instructors to verify instructional modality for the end of the fall period. https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/coronavirus/students/

Should there be any questions or concerns please reach out to Wayne Lynch, VP of Administration (wlynch@niagaracc.suny.edu) or Catherine Brown, AVP of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator (Employees) (cbrown@niagaracc.suny.edu). For student-specific questions concerning testing, please contact Julia Pitman, VP of Student Services (jpitman@niagaracc.suny.edu).  For academic instructional information contact Lydia Ulatowski, VP of Academic Affairs (ulatowski@niagaracc.suny.edu).

Please be aware as SUNY and NYS guidance is updated or augmented, we will flex our plan to ensure safety and compliance with respect to our COVID-19 mitigations measures.

William J. Murabito, Ph.D.
President

November 23, 2020

November 2, 2020

Governor Cuomo Announces New Guidelines Allowing Out-of-State Travelers to “Test Out” of Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine

View these new guidelines.

September 16, 2020

Keeping Your Household Safe as Children Return to In-Person School During the Pandemic

View these health and wellness tips for your work, home, and life.

August 26, 2020

August 24, 2020

Niagara County Department of Health 2019-Novel Coronavirus Information

View Novel Coronavirus Information.

August 24, 2020

CDC Frequently Asked Questions

View the FAQs.

August 24, 2020

Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH)/Schools COVID-19 Student Contact Monitoring Process

School administration, school health staff, and student support services provide NCDOH with information and assistance with investigations upon request.

View the COVID-19 Student Contact Monitoring Process.

August 14, 2020

COVID-19 Complaint Form

In an effort to ensure full compliance on campus with COVID-19 requirements, the college has created a form to report those who are not adhering to the requirements.

http://niagaracc.suny.edu/covidcomplaint/

July 6, 2020

Human Resources Update

Working Safely Around the COVID-19 Pandemic

In an effort to safely return back on campus, a return to work PowerPoint training has been provided. All employees of the college are required to review the training.

View the Training PowerPoint.

July 2, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers

View the quarantine restrictions.

July 1, 2020

Human Resources Update

Returning to the Workplace

Guiding Principles:

NCCC policies and protocols for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic will be rooted in safety for our health care providers, safety for our staff, safety for our faculty and students, and for the public we interact with.

The primary goals for NCCC response to the COVID-19 pandemic are to protect health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students.

NCCC’s plans will also be aligned and consistent with local orders and ordinances of Niagara County, SUNY, as well as the State of New York Phased Reopening Model. NCCC’s plans will also follow recommendations from the federal government (Opening Guidelines), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NYS Department of Public Health, and NCCC’s Campus Safety Advisory Committee.

Our knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and our policies and plans will be updated as appropriate as more information becomes available.

View the Guide for Returning to the Workplace.