coronavirus

Back Together @ KVCC

KVCC will be holding most classes on campus and in person this Fall. We’re able to take this step toward a more normal KVCC experience because of the ongoing commitment of our faculty, staff and students over the last year.  And while the College has updated its COVID-19 protocols for Fall 2021, the health and safety of our community continues to be our top priority, so we will continue to assess the situation and follow the guidance of the Maine Community College System, the State and Federal Centers for Disease Control, and our health care partners.

Face Coverings:

Although Maine’s daily COVID case count is lower than in previous months, this rate has been increasing over the summer. Therefore, the seven colleges in the Maine Community College System will start the Fall semester with all students, staff and faculty wearing approved face coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.  We will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic as the semester progresses, and work with the Maine Community College System to modify this face covering guidance as appropriate.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Due to a surge in cases and the latest information about the delta variant, the Maine Community College Board of Trustees has voted on a vaccine protocol requiring all students and trainees at Maine’s community colleges in person to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

• The protocol applies to any student or trainee accessing MCCS facilities, including off-site education centers
• The protocol does not apply to students who are fully remote and will not be entering campus buildings for any purpose
• The protocol does not apply when MCCS instructors are providing training at a business for its employees, or at a CTE center or high school for high school students
• Students must provide proof they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine prior to attending their first in-person class. Students who require a second dose of a vaccine must provide proof of the second dose no later than 30 days from the date of their first in-person class
• Students may request an exemption from the vaccination protocol. MCCS will grant exemptions for individuals who cannot be vaccinated for documented medical reasons. The Maine Community College System will not consider exemptions based on religious or philosophical beliefs, in line with Maine’s post-secondary vaccination law taking effect September 1. Any student granted an exemption will be required to take weekly COVID tests and provide the test results to a designated college official.
• Students who decline to get vaccinated are still welcome to enroll in MCCS classes offered remotely, and access student services remotely

Submitting Proof of Vaccination:

Students Must Provide Proof of Their COVID-19 Vaccine Using the KVApp.  Once you’ve received your first and then second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or your single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you may upload proof of your vaccine using the KVApp, following these instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: The College is hosting several a pop-up clinics August 26^th from 10AM to Noon and August 27^th from 12PM to 2PM at our Fairfield campus, in conjunction with Northern Light Healthcare. If you are still unable to locate a vaccination site that works for you, please contact us ASAP.  There are many free vaccination sites in the area, and we’d be happy to match you with one of these.

Q: I’m unsure about getting vaccinated. Where can I go to get more information?
A: We recommend this site from the Federal Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

Q:Where can I get answers to other questions that I have about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations?
A: Here’s a great resource for this information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

Q. Will student clubs and organizations still meet in person (as well as virtually) in the fall?
A: Students and student groups are encouraged to meet live and in person this fall, as long as our pandemic-related protocols are adhered to.

The PDF below contains a summary of all the things you need to know about online courses and staying connected at KVCC.

KVCC students have a wide range of academic support services to help them with their studies, whether your courses are on campus or held remotely.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases across the State, the Governor’s Office has amended its Executive Orders related to face coverings.

The following changes to KVCC’s face covering protocols are effective immediately:

“Face coverings must now be worn in public settings regardless of how far apart you are from other people.”

What this means for members of the KVCC community specifically is that we are all required to wear appropriate face coverings while on either campus–indoors and outdoors–even if we are able to maintain appropriate social distance. Please contact COVID-19@kvcc.me.edu with any questions or concerns.

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on July 9th, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: KVCC-Reopening Framework

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on April 22nd, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: 2020 KVCC Letter to Students RH 042220

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on March 31st, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: 2020 KVCC COVID-19  Message 033120

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on March 24th, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: 2020 KVCC COVID-19  Message 032420

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on March 18th, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: 2020 KVCC Status RE COVID-19 031820 RH

The letter below was emailed to all members of the KVCC Community on March 12th, and the original PDF can be downloaded at this link: 2020 KVCC Status RE COVID-19 031220 RH

The links below to Maine COVID-19 testing sites are provided to help members of our college community who believe they have COVID-19 related symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or who wish to be tested after traveling outside the state of Maine to avoid a self-quarantine period.

Please keep in mind that most of these testing sites require an appointment, and many are limited to those with symptoms or known COVID-19 exposure. And please remember to consult your primary care provider if you have COVID-19 symptoms, known COVID-19 exposure, or for other COVID-19 related questions or concerns.

https://get-tested-covid19.org/    A volunteer-run organization with a zip code searchable database of Maine testing sites

https://www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine/keepmainehealthy/testing    A regularly updated list of testing sites from the State of Maine

KVCC is in close, regular contact with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) concerning the recent coronavirus outbreak that originated in central China. It’s important to note that Maine has no confirmed or suspected cases associated with the 2019 coronavirus.

These sites contain a wealth of up-to-date information about the coronavirus:

Maine CDC Coronavirus Guidance: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/coronavirus

U.S. CDC Coronavirus site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Social Stigma and COVID-19
As the College continues to manage its way through the challenges associated with this outbreak, it’s important that we remain true to our values, and continue to support each other. Below is a guide from the World Health Organization that provides information on avoiding social stigma related to the pandemic:

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/covid19-stigma-guide.pdf

General Flu Information and Prevention:

Although the coronavirus does constitute a special area of concern, more common strains of flu and related illnesses are serious enough that we should all take the following flu tips and facts to heart.

What is influenza (flu)?

The flu is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. Illness is usually mild or moderate, not requiring hospitalization. However, at times flu can be severe, even leading to death. It is not the same as the “stomach flu.”

What are the symptoms?

Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. These symptoms usually begin suddenly and might be severe enough to stop your daily activities.

How is the flu different from a cold?

Colds are generally less serious than the flu. With a cold, you’re more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, while the flu causes body aches, fever, and extreme tiredness. A person with a cold can usually conduct their normal activities, but someone with the flu can’t. Flu can result in serious health problems like pneumonia, bacterial infections, and hospitalization.

What can I do to protect myself and others?

• Consider a flu vaccination
• Avoid being around others who are sick
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based, waterless hand sanitizer
• What do I do if I think I have the flu?
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid contact with others
• Rest and drink lots of fluids
• Go to the doctor or the emergency room if you are having difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, experiencing sudden dizziness, or having severe or persistent vomiting

Additional hand sanitizer stations and free, personal sanitizers are available throughout both campuses, for your safety and convenience.