Health Alert

Respiratory Illnesses – Flu, COVID, RSV – 11/14/22

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Advisory about early, elevated respiratory disease incidence caused by multiple viruses occurring especially among children and placing strain on healthcare systems. This early increase in disease incidence highlights the importance of optimizing respiratory virus prevention and treatment measures, including prompt vaccination and antiviral treatment. According to healthcare sources, cases of the flu are already increasing at a high rate, something we normally don’t see until December or January. This is attributed to the fact that many of us have not been exposed to many germs since early 2020, prior to the COVID pandemic, which brought social isolation and masking.  While these measures were necessary at the time, our immune systems are down due to these measures.

What can I do to help keep my Pacer community safe?  Here are some tips:

• Get vaccinated for flu and COVID.  Make sure you are up-to-date on your boosters for COVID.
• WASH YOUR HANDS!  This is the number one preventive measure for decreasing illness. Remember to wash with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (Sing Happy Birthday twice if you need a timer).  Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if you can’t wash with soap and water.
• Try to keep from touching your face, especially your nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms: fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue.  Get tested for flu and COVID.
• Avoid close contact with others who have symptoms.
• Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C and Zinc to boost immune function.
• Routinely sleep at least 7 hours each night.
• Exercise on a regular basis and reduce stress levels.

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COVID-19

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html

Face Coverings:

Face coverings are currently optional on all PCC campuses.

Have COVID-19 Symptoms?:

Please use good judgment when determining whether to come to campus.  If the student is not feeling well or has any COVID symptoms, even if it seems like it might just be a cold, allergies, or sinus problems, please DO NOT come to campus. The Delta variant has more cold and allergy like symptoms and extra caution should be used until you know it is not the COVID virus.

• Notify your instructor(s), using the best form of communication given in the course syllabus so there is no issue with attendance.  Instructors have been asked to work with students who must self-quarantine due to illness and exposure.
• If you have any questions about whether to come to campus, please email me at alisa.montgomery@piedmontcc.edu. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Tested Positive for COVID?:

Students who have tested positive for COVID, or who have been potentially exposed are required to report this to Shelly Stone-Moye, Vice President, Student Development for further guidance on self-quarantining.

Sanitizing:

Sanitizing spray and wipes will remain available in high traffic areas for those who wish to clean an area before they use it.

Cleaning and disinfecting supplies are in each classroom.  Students are encouraged to clean their area before they use it if they are concerned about possible contamination.

Complying with PCC’s COVID Guidelines:

Based on PCC Policy 7.16, Infectious Diseases, students who refuse to comply with procedures should be warned, then the normal process for student code of conduct violations should be followed.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping us keep PCC a safe and healthy place for all of us!  I hope you have a great fall semester!

Your Success is Our Goal!

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Click here for Online Learning Tips (pdf)

This document includes instructions for logging into  BlackBoard,  WebAdvisor, PCC’s Student Email, as well as how to complete the BlackBoard Orientation course.

• Class delivery: classes are being offered in a variety of ways to ensure you are able to connect with your instructor(s). Visit  www.piedmontcc.edu/schedule  for more information.
• Online tutoring: visit  piedmont.mywconline.com  for more information about online tutoring
• Student Help Desk: get assistance with  Blackboard,  WebAdvisor, Logging in to class, etc. by emailing  studenthelpdesk@piedmontcc.edu  or calling (336) 322-2138.
• Computer Labs: labs are open at three of PCC’s locations. You should call to make an appointment:
  •  Person County Campus: Building H or (336) 322-2247
  •  Caswell County Campus: Building K or (336) 694-5707
  •  Business Development & Entrepreneurship Center: (336) 599-0032
• Lap Top & Hot Spot: PCC can loan either or both to current students. Call (336) 322-2247 for more information. 

I’m new to online learning. What do I do first?

• Visit  www.piedmontcc.edu. At the top, you’ll see links to  WebAdvisor,  Blackboard, and  Email.
• Click the Email link and log in.
  • Your email is also your Blackboard username with the email extension (username@students.piedmontcc.edu).
  • Passwords are the same in Blackboard and email.
  • If you don’t know your email address, call (336) 322-2138 or email  studenthelpdesk@piedmontcc.edu.
• Complete the icebreaker assignment located in your Blackboard class within the first day or two. This is essential to remain in the course and it will be a simple assignment like a syllabus quiz or a short introduction.
• Click “Online Learning Tips (pdf)” at  www.piedmontcc.edu/COVID-19  for more info.
• Contact the Student Help Desk for further assistance with Blackboard, WebAdvisor, or logging in to class, by emailing  studenthelpdesk@piedmontcc.edu  or calling (336) 322-2138.

NC Technology resources for students (4/15/20):

NC Broadband  – COVID-19 internet service offerings
Adobe Creative Cloud  – Free temporary at-home access for students who log into Creative Cloud on campus
AT&T  – Internet access for qualifying limited income households for $10/month
Charter Communications  – Free broadband internet for new customers in households with college students for 60 days
Comcast Internet Essentials  – Free internet service for new customers and free speed upgrade for current customers
EveryoneOn  – Search for low-cost internet service and computers by zip code

Hot Spot Info (updated 11/18/20):

NEW HOTSPOTS:
* Piedmont Electric’s Person County Office at 1125 Oxford Road in Roxboro
* Piedmont Electric’s Caswell County Office at 64 Rascoe Dameron Road in Burlington

Updated WiFi Access on Campus & in the Community
1) PCC’s Person County Campus (2 locations)
* Parking Lot 3 next to Building T (closest to ramp entrance)
* Parking Lot 4 next to Building S (on the right side)
* Address: 1715 College Drive, Roxboro
* New Campus Hours during the pandemic: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 – 6 p.m.

2) PCC’s Caswell County Campus
* Parking lot in front of Building P (small lot)
* Address: 331 Piedmont Drive, Yanceyville
* New Campus Hours during the pandemic: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday – Sunday: closed

3) Lamberth Memorial Baptist Church
* Address: 1026 Long Store Road, Roxboro
* Access: Lamberth Guest; no password

4) Quality Inn in Person County
* Address: 906 Durham Road, Roxboro
* Access: Quality Inn Guest; no password

5) Piedmont Health Services, Inc.
* Address: 322 Main Street, Prospect Hill
* Access: Guest; password: Healthy1

6) Life Beyond The Shadows Counseling, PLLC
* Address: 110 Cole Street, Yanceyville
* Access: LBTSGuest; password: guestwifi

7) Warren’s Grove Baptist Church
* Address: 1511 Wesleyan Road, Roxboro
* Access: Warren’s Grove Guest; no password

8) Roxboro Baptist Church
* Address: 202 South Main Street, Roxboro
* Access: Guest; password: GoNServe

9) Sheetz and Walmart in Roxboro, as well as McDonalds’ in both counties may have WiFi available

Please make PCC proud when using these WiFi locations:
– Remember to think safety first and continue to practice social distancing.
– Be respectful of the location you are using – no loitering or littering (many locations will have security or security cameras in place).

Resources in our Communities:

Emergency Food Pantries:
• Caswell Parrish: located at 1038 Main Street in Yanceyville; (336) 694-6428;
• High Rock Community Center: located at 103 John Long Road in Blanch; (336) 694-4116;
• Christian Help Center:  located at 122 Depot Street in Roxboro; (336) 599-6070;
•  Food Pantry of Roxboro & Person County:  located at 704 Franklin Street in Roxboro;

Other Resources
•  COVID-19 from Person County Health Department
•  Telehealth Services from Caswell Family Medical Center, Inc.
•  Filing for Unemployment Application

NC Wide Resources:
• NC 211: 24/7 access for organizations in our local community to assist with food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, employment, substance abuse treatment as well as services specific to older adults and those with disabilities. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162.
• Text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19 in NC

Additional Tips:
•  Wash your hands frequently and properly;
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
• Clean items you touch, including your cellphone, regularly.
These are the same everyday actions we should all be following to prevent the spread of seasonal flu, and these precautions are key to containing the coronavirus as well.