Coronavirus | Faculty/Staff FAQ

Employees

How do I protect myself if I work in an open office environment or in close quarters with others?

Even though masking and social distancing are now optional, these practices are strongly encouraged for unvaccinated people. Please be aware that there are some people who cannot receive the vaccination for medical or personal reasons who must continue masking and distancing. As a courtesy, the college asks that if you encounter a person wearing a mask on campus that you remain at least 6 feet away from them at all times.

  • Disinfect workspaces daily.
  • Keep hand sanitizer at your desk and use it frequently.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues away. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid grasping shared surfaces, such as tables, light switches, countertops, handles, keyboards, faucets, and sinks.

I am an employee and I need to work remotely. How do I arrange that? (UPDATED: 7/08/2021)

A staff member who needs to work remotely should discuss the issue with the immediate supervisor who will forward the request through the chain of command to the Office of the President for approval. No supervisor can authorize an employee to work remotely.

Will we still be having meetings at work?

Most meetings will continue to occur virtually via Zoom or by conference call. For face-to-face meetings, please note that even though masking and social distancing are now optional, these practices are strongly encouraged for unvaccinated people. Please be aware that there are some people who cannot receive the vaccination for medical or personal reasons who must continue masking and distancing. As a courtesy, the college asks that if you encounter a person wearing a mask on campus that you remain at least 6 feet away from them at all times.

I have a trip to a conference planned; will I still be able to go?

All travel other than essential travel is suspended until further notice. If an employee has a need to travel, he or she should reach out to the immediate supervisor. 

What if I have travel plans? Does that affect my ability to return to work?

Employees are encouraged to reference the CDC travel guide. Keep in mind that travel restrictions are constantly changing and may impact return to work restrictions. 

Are there restrictions from returning from travel?

Employees who have traveled from one of the one of the CDC identified countries (please reference the CDC Guide for Travelers Returning from International Travelor who may have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 should not return to work for 14 days since last exposure. 

After a 14-day self-quarantine period, employees who have not experienced symptoms such as fever, coughingor shortness of breath may return to work after approval from your supervisor.  Employees who have experienced any of these symptoms should consult with their healthcare provider before returning to work. 

Additional Resources

For Escambia County specific COVID-19 questions, you may contact the Citizen Information Center at 850-471-6600 or via email covid19@myescambia.com.

The Florida Department of Health has launched a dedicated call center for questions related to COVID-19. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, please contact the Florida Department of Health using the information below. The COVID-19 Call Center is now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.