Sterling Together - Campus Health and Wellness
Cleaning Protocols
In addition to routine custodial cleaning, Sterling College has implemented an enhanced cleaning frequency to clean and disinfect common areas and commonly touched surfaces in occupied buildings. Touchpoints such as entrance handles, handrails, elevator buttons, tables, restroom stall handles/doors are being cleaned at least once daily, five days a week, using EPA-registered disinfectants. Some areas of the campus, specific to the operation, are cleaned to the standard of their department or unit’s operational needs.
Dispenser stations containing alcohol-based hand sanitizer are being installed at building entrances, as supplies allow. Portable hand sanitizer stations are also located across campus. Although hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of the virus, practicing the CDC’s proper hand-washing technique is considered to be more effective.
Hygiene and Safety Protocols
The following hygiene & safety protocols will be followed daily per the recommended CDC guidelines:
- Self screening & self monitoring daily for COVID-19 symptoms
- Using face masks that cover nose & mouth in public settings is recommended for those not fully vaccinated
- Daily washing of cloth face masks
- Frequent handwashing using soap & water for 20 seconds, or the use of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap/water is not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Use proper respiratory etiquette such as covering coughs & sneezes, coughing into your elbow, proper disposal of used tissues
- Social distance in public places
- Sanitize shared spaces & frequently touched objects
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick
- Fully cooperate with testing & quarantine guidelines
Testing
Local testing for COVID-19 is currently being administered through Sterling Medical Center (1-620-278-2123),Lyons Medical Center (1-620-257-5124), and the Rice County Health Department (1-620-257-2171). Other testing options include self-tests and testing locations in surrounding communities. Kansas Department of Health & Environment has a location finder for free testing at https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/280/COVID-19-Testing.
Traveling to KDHE Travel and Exposure Locations
Voluntary Travel during the Academic Term
Travel to/from any designated KDHE Travel and Exposure locations is strongly discouraged. However, it is understood there may be unique circumstances where the travel cannot be avoided. For any student who voluntarily travels to a designated KDHE Travel Restricted Location and is required to quarantine by the State of Kansas upon return, the student will be required to quarantine off campus and outside of campus housing and will not be allowed back to campus during that time.
The student is responsible for notifying the Office for Student Life regarding the travel and the required quarantine period upon return. The student will be responsible for all housing and meal expenses during the quarantine and must complete the return to campus screening and protocol prior to return to campus.
For any travel related to athletics, NAIA guidelines will be followed and students should coordinate with their respective coach.
Questions? Email covid19update@sterling.edu