Updates
COVID Update: What to expect if local COVID levels reach red status?
Jul 30, 2021
July 30, 2021
Dear HCC Family,
As you are likely aware, COVID-19 cases are rising across the country, including in the Houston area. We continue to monitor the situation closely, keeping the same objectives of safety, support for our community, and access to quality education at the forefront of our decision making. Should the local number of COVID cases warrant Harris or Fort Bend counties to increase their risk status level to red, the College will take the following actions:
- Lower the caps for all in-person classes to 18 seats. Out of an abundance of caution, Instructional Services is currently working to proactively implement this change in advance of a red status. The team is also working closely with Student Services to ensure that any students impacted are given the support they need to find new class sections.
- Reinstitute screening at campus locations. If risk levels move back to red, screening locations will be established at each college. The exact number of screening stations will vary by campus based on their unique needs and estimated traffic levels. College Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are currently developing plans for the exact number and location of their screening stations, should they be needed.
At this time, no other operational changes are expected if COVID levels reach a red status. However, if that changes, we are committed to providing updates as quickly as possible.
While face coverings are not mandated, per Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-38, HCC does strongly encourage you to continue to observe the three W’s (wash hands often, watch social distance, wear masks) both on and off campus.
Stay safe and please continue to monitor email, HCC’s COVID-19 website and social media channels for updates.
Sincerely,
Kurt Ewen, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Planning, Institutional Effectiveness/Chief of Staff