Frequently Asked Questions - COVID-19
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Where can I access current information on Covid-19?
Kansas Department Of Health Covid-19 Website
Rice County Health Department Website
What is the college doing to prepare for students returning for fall 2021?
Sterling College is committed to providing a safe, healthy campus environment for our students as well as our employees. The college formed a Covid task force team early in the pandemic that is meeting regularly and updating plans accordingly. See the current plan at sterling.edu.
How can I help protect myself?
The CDC always recommends these everyday actions to help reduce the spread of Covid-19
as well as other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and after using the restroom. If soap and water is not available use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with tissues.
- Avoid sharing drinks or utensils.
- Stay home when you are sick. Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, face, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Socially distance at least 6 feet from others whenever possible.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
What if I am sick? What resources are available?
If on campus during health center hours you may contact Dana Ely, Campus Health Director. Please email her at nurse@sterling.edu or call 1-620-278-4505.
Our local community healthcare options can be found at Rice Community Healthcare, http://ricecountyhospital.com.
Please also see the following listing of nearby community healthcare options.
Health Care locations near campus (Please call prior to arriving if possible)
Sterling Medical Center
239 N Broadway
Sterling, Ks 67579
1-620-278-2123
Lyons Medical Center
1221 Noble Pl
Lyons, Ks 67554
1-620-257-5124
Rice County District Hospital
619 S. Clark
Lyons, Ks 67554
1-620-257-5173
Hutchinson, KS Health Care locations (Please call prior to arrival if possible)
Hutchinson Clinic
2101 N. Waldron
Hutchinson, Ks 67502 1-620-669-2500
*Walk in Care available M-F 7:30 am- 8 pm, Sat 8 am-4 pm
*Respiratory Response Clinic M-F 8 am -8 pm, Sat 8 am- 4 pm
Prairie Star Health Center (sliding scale fees for uninsured)
2700 E. 30th
Hutchinson, Ks 67502
1-620-663-8484
*Urgent Care available 8 am-6 pm M-F
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center- Hospital in Hutchinson
1701 E. 23rd
Hutchinson, Ks 67502
1-620-665-2000
The Little Clinic inside Dillons Marketplace
3200 Plaza East Dr
Hutchinson, Ks 67502
1-620-860-1669 (see thelittleclinic.com for hours)
*In the case of an emergency call 911
Mental Health Resources
Campus Counselors-
Lydia Butner
lydia.butner@sterling.edu
1-620-278-4297
Danika Drake
danika,drake@sterling.edu
1-620-278-4297
Campus Life Coach
Heather Oden
heather.oden@sterling.edu
1-620-278-4232
The Center for Counseling & Consultation
Great Bend, Ks
1-620-792-2544
Where can I go to get covid testing?
Currently all testing in our community for Covid-19 is done at Rice Community Healthcare locations in Sterling & Lyons, including Sterling Medical Center, Lyons Medical Center & Rice County District Hospital.
Follow the CDC recommendations if symptoms of Covid-19 develop.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html
How do I know if I need to be tested?
Consult your local health care provider for guidance. The CDC also has a coronavirus self checker available online that is a good resource. The self checker can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
I am struggling with anxiety during this time. Is there anyone I can talk to on campus?
Sterling College has onsite counselors on staff, Lydia Butner & Danika Drake. Email lydia.butner@sterling.edu or danika.drake@sterling.edu or call the Student Life Office at 1-620-278-4232 to schedule an appointment.
Will masks be required on campus?
Masks are highly recommended now in indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status unless you are able to socially distance. This change is being brought on by the CDC's update and the spread of the new COVID Delta variant. Masks could become required dependent on campus & community spread.
Will Covid-19 vaccines be required for students & employees?
At the present time Covid-19 vaccines are not required on campus. This will be evaluated & guidance will be provided as indicated.
Will quarantine/isolation guidelines remain the same for next year?
Quarantine/Isolation protocols will be based on current guidance from the CDC, KDHE & local health department. A vaccinated individual’s guidelines may differ from a nonvaccinated individual based on current health guidance at that particular time. See CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guid...
What changes have been made in the cafeteria?
Sterling College’s dining service, Chartwells has a very thorough Covid plan. Specific changes have been implemented throughout the cafeteria taking social distancing into consideration as well as new options such as take out and single serving items. Their plan is being reevaluated with next fall’s additions to be announced as they are available.
Can I schedule a campus visit?
Yes, currently we have in person as well as virtual visits available. Please call 1-620-278-4275 or email admissions@sterling.edu for further information.