This is the most current list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Hartnell Community College District (HCCD) for use by all District employees and students. The FAQ applies to all and is current as of October 31, 2023. To suggest an additional question, please email rmorales@hartnell.edu.
HCCD is under the jurisdiction of CalOSHA and the Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) regarding Health Orders and safety requirements relating to COVID-19.
Immediately report exposure, symptoms or a positive test result through the District's online COVID-19 reporting page. Students should also send an email to instructors. Employees should notify their supervisor or manager.
Below is an "at-a-glance" summary of the quarantine, isolation and testing guidelines to follow under specific circumstances, which also will be communicated to you in reply to your COVID notification email:
If you tested positive for COVID-19:
Stay home and Isolate immediately - except to seek medical care and possible COVID-19 treatment (pills, shots, or IV). Plan to re-test 5 days after* you tested positive.
You may come to campus but must wear a mask indoors around others for ten (10) calendar days after exposure; test 3-5 days from last exposure.
If you begin to experience symptoms after exposure, isolate for 5 days and test again.
Also, adhere to the isolation/quarantine and follow-up testing steps below:
- If you tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19:
Stay away from others, even at home and even if you have been vaccinated and they have previously been infected.
Isolate for at least 5 full days after your symptoms started, or after your first positive test date if you don’t have symptoms.
Sometimes people with COVID-19 have a negative rapid/antigen test in the first few days of symptoms. PCR testing may detect the virus earlier than an antigen test.
For low-risk people, repeat an antigen test (at-home tests are acceptable) in 24-48 hours.
Individuals may consider repeating testing every 24-48 hours for several days until receiving a positive test or until symptoms improve. - End isolation after 5 days if you test negative (use an antigen test) on Day 5 or later – so long as
you do not have a fever and symptoms are getting better.
If you still test positive on or after day 5 or later, or if you don’t test, isolate for up to 10 full days, and until you do not have a fever.
Wear a well-fitting mask around others, especially when indoors, for 10 full days, even if you stop isolating earlier. - If you have been exposed to COVID-19 and you do NOT have symptoms:
Wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get tested 3-5 days after your exposure - even if you are vaccinated. If you test positive, follow the above quarantine/isolation steps
If you had COVID-19 in the last 30 days, only test if you have new symptoms and use an antigen (rapid) test.
Unless you develop symptoms within the 10 days after you were exposed, you do not need to quarantine.
*Note: Day 1 is the day after symptoms start, or the day after your first positive test if you don’t have symptoms. Return to campus the day after you receive a negative test result (day 6 or later). An N95 mask may be acquired from the HCCD Welcome Kiosk located at the roundabout entrance of Main Campus, off Central Avenue.
Students continue to utilize Crisis Counseling and Emotional Wellness Services on campus by appointment, and limited walk-in basis Monday - Friday, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Information about these student services and scheduling an appointment can be accessed here.
Students may also speak confidentially with a TimelyCare professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the TimelyCare webpage.
Employees can access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through the MetLife LifeWorks program. Employee assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Up-to-date information about walk-in and by-appointment vaccination is available here.
All Hartnell buildings are ventilated with outside air that is returned to the outside. There is no recycling of inside air. Air filters in all buildings meet or exceed OSHA standards. Room air cleaners have also been placed as needed.
Hartnell has supplies of PPE such as disinfection wipes, N95 and surgical masks, gloves, face shields and gowns. Students and employees may acquire free masks from any Campus Security station located on each campus or by calling (831) 770-6171 or emailing lraras@hartnell.edu.