COVID-19 Information and Resources
July 28, 2021
Federal Emergency Grants for Students
Ocean County College has received authorization and funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) to disburse federal emergency grants to students. The federal government has clarified that funds must be reserved to provide students with financial aid grants, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
The CRRSAA and ARP Acts require that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. Our overarching goal is to enable students to continue their education at OCC despite the coronavirus impact. Please follow the instructions on the application and submit it on-line to be considered for an emergency grant.
June 17, 2021
Fall 2021 Update
To the OCC Campus Community:
I am pleased to announce that OCC’s campus will reopen this fall for all members of our community to work and learn full time and in person once again.
The fall schedule is available online and registration is open.
OCC will continue to offer several different class formats:
- In person: In order to provide flexibility for students, equipment is being installed that may allow students the option of attending remotely. The guidelines will be established at the start of class by each faculty member.
- Remote: Remote courses will be conducted on scheduled days and times via WebEx with no in-person meetings.
- Online: Online courses will be conducted fully online with no scheduled meeting times.
On Friday, June 11, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation and Executive Order 244, ending the state’s public health emergency due to COVID-19. The majority of the executive orders issued pursuant to this emergency will expire on July 4, 2021, including Executive Orders 155 and 175, which include public health mandates for the higher education sector.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also released guidance for colleges and universities. The full report may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/colleges-universities/considerations.html.
What this means for Ocean County College is that — after more than a year of virtual learning and teaching, of remote interactions and restrictions on gatherings — we are now able to move forward with our reopening plans. Most staff will return to campus on July 7, 2021, and all Student Services will be available in person beginning July 7, 2021.
As always, our primary concern is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to resuming campus life in September!
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
April 29, 2021
Fall 2021 Update
To the Campus Community:
This fall the campus will reopen more broadly and most classes will be held in person on the Toms River campus. The fall schedule is now available and registration is open, search for courses online.
For the Fall 2021 semester there will be three different types of classes:
- In person: On-campus classes will meet in person at the Toms River Campus. In order to provide flexibility for students who may not be ready or able to return to campus, equipment is being installed to allow students the option of attending in person on campus classes remotely.
- Remote: Remote courses will be conducted at scheduled days and times via Web-Ex with no in person meetings.
- Online: Online courses will be conducted fully online with no scheduled meeting times.
Depending on not yet released State guidelines for September, there may be some requirements that apply to in person courses such as classroom capacity restrictions, mask-wearing and social distancing. Please continue to check this web page for updates that will be provided as more information becomes available.
As always our primary concern is the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and we look forward to resuming campus life more fully in September.
Dr. Joseph Konopka
Vice President of Academic Affairs
March 11, 2021
Fall 2021 – Return to Campus Plan
I am pleased to announce that the Fall 2021 semester schedule will provide many opportunities for students to attend classes on the OCC campus. The schedule will be available the first week of April. Registration will open April 12th for priority students and April 13th for the general student population.
Our goal is to return most classes to the Toms River campus, with limitations that will be adjusted in accordance with State guidelines in effect in September. These limitations may include adopting a hybrid approach where a limited number of students attend classes in person on a rotating basis while others log in remotely. Should the State move quickly to recovery, we may be able to do even more. Unfortunately, our plan does not extend to locations other than the Toms River campus. Other sites, including the Southern Education Center in Manahawkin, will remain closed due to the limitation of space in those facilities.
In addition to returning classes to campus, student services will be available in person. Beginning July 7th, student services, such as financial aid, academic advising, registration, and testing, will be available on an appointment-only basis and the remote services that have been in place this past year will also continue. A plan is being developed to return student services more fully to the campus in September.
As always, our primary concern continues to be the health and safety of our students and employees. There is still planning that needs to occur and final decisions are dependent on State guidelines. However, our current practices and protocols have proven to be effective and most will be continued, while new measures will be added as required or shown to be best practices. We anticipate students and College personnel will be required to wear face masks and follow all other State and CDC recommendations.
We can all expect our fall semester to look and feel much different than ever before. But we are moving in the right direction by opening the campus in the fall for the safe return of all faculty, staff, and students in whatever capacity will be permitted by the State.
As we have more detail, we will continue to share it with you.
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
February 17, 2021
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Grants for Students
Ocean County College has received authorization and funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to disburse federal emergency grants to students. The link below will take you to an application form that is designed to help us understand your circumstances and needs. The federal government has clarified that funds must be reserved to provide students with financial aid grants, which may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
The CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. In an effort to make CRRSAA funding available to students whose academic pursuits are negatively impacted by COVID-19, Ocean County College has decided, in order to help as many students as possible, the amount of eligible expenses that an eligible student requests funding for can be funded up to maximum amounts of $2,000 to full time students (12 credit hours or more) or $1000 to part time students (11 credit hours or less).
Please follow the instructions on the application and submit it to be considered for an emergency grant.
Additional information is available on our Federal Emergency Grants for Students page.
January 25, 2021
Ocean County College Restart Plan – Summer 2021
To the College Community:
With registration for the 2021 Summer First-Five Week Session scheduled to begin on February 8, 2021, I am writing to inform you that the College plans to continue its current mode of operation during the summer, offering most academic instruction either remotely or online, except for a limited number of on-campus programs and laboratories.
OCC’s Return to Campus Committee meets often to review Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 155 and the State’s multi-stage program to reopen and recover from COVID-19. All New Jersey institutions of higher education must follow the safety requirements and procedures of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education’s Restart Standards.
Should the State move beyond Stage Two, Ocean County College will be prepared to offer more in-person instruction this summer. Students should keep in mind that courses designated as remote or hybrid could perhaps move to more in-person instruction. Any changes in instructional mode will be clearly communicated to students by the College and their instructors.
Although COVID-19 vaccinations are underway across Ocean County and New Jersey, it will take some time for most residents to be vaccinated. We are optimistic that the supply of vaccine will become more readily available and the State will relax the restrictions applicable to the College; however, until that time, we must continue to be vigilant to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
In the meantime, please continue to be safe and wear a mask and maintain physical distance from others. We will get past this pandemic and all be together again on campus, hopefully in the Fall Semester.
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
December 23, 2020
Ocean County College Athletic Department Spring 2021 Semester Update
Dear Coaches, Students & Our Entire Viking Family —
This upcoming spring semester for us here in OCC Athletics will continue to process the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic together. Academic classes will resume remotely with limited hybrid classes on campus.
Therefore, in compliance with New Jersey’s coronavirus pandemic-related rules and regulations and, most importantly, in the interest of the health and safety of our students and staff, Ocean County College has deemed that for the Winter & Spring Athletic Teams scheduled to participate that ALL Athletic Programs will not compete in practices and or competition this spring 2021 season during the pandemic.
This decision was not made lightly, yet we must do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation through Spring 2021 and will provide updates as they are available.
We will continue to focus on the importance of academics and finishing strong in the classrooms to maintain eligibility. This is a key factor for each and every student-athlete so that when we do receive the green light, and it is safe for our students and staff to begin, all those looking to take part in our teams will meet the NJCAA academic eligibility requirements for participation.
Thank You & Be Well,
Ilene Cohen, Executive Director of Athletics Ocean County College
CARES Act
Attention: Secretary of Education
Federal Emergency Grants for Students
Updated: September 11, 2020
Ocean County College has awarded $2,132, 585 to 1,199 students consistent with the CARES Act guidelines. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant funds have been fully distributed as of September 11, 2020.
CRRSAA Act
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSAA)
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Institution Grants
Updated: July 8, 2021
October 28, 2020
Ocean County College Restart Plan
To the College Community:
As you may know, the State of New Jersey has implemented a multi-stage approach to reopen and recover from COVID-19. New Jersey has been in Stage Two since June 15, 2020, and, while in Stage Two, activities on campus are limited. Therefore, we will begin the spring 2021 semester by continuing to offer most academic instruction, except for a limited number of on-campus programs and laboratories, either remotely or online. However, should the State of New Jersey move beyond Stage Two, Ocean County College will be prepared to offer more in-person instruction mid-semester.
As students build their spring schedules, they should bear in mind that courses currently designated as hybrid could possibly involve more in-person instruction later in the semester. If New Jersey moves beyond Stage Two, any in-person component added to a hybrid course will be clearly communicated by the instructor of each course.
Meanwhile, in accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 155, Ocean County College will continue to abide by Ocean County College’s Restart Plan for the Fall 2020 semester, COVID-19 – The Road Back.
The spring 2021 schedule contains a number of on-campus laboratories for courses that require significant hands-on instruction, such as Nursing, Chemistry, Physics, Forensic Science, Fine Arts, TV Studio Production, and Continuing and Professional Education allied health programs. The College’s Restart Plan includes detailed information on the precautions that will be taken to keep students and staff safe and healthy when they return to campus for these programs only.
The Restart Plan is posted on the OCC website. Appendix A, Safety Information Plan and Protocols for Students, is of significant importance. This document outlines the facilities modifications, enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes, personal protective equipment, and other precautions, all of which will minimize the risk of transmission for any illness. In addition to required employee training, all employees, students, and visitors are required to complete a questionnaire each time they intend to be on campus. There are also temperature checks in designated buildings that will be required as part of the daily check-in process. Except for personnel assigned to work on campus, all other employees will continue to perform their responsibilities remotely until further notice.
As has been the case since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the basis of all College decisions is first and foremost the health and safety of all our students, faculty, and staff. Our plan for the spring 2021 semester continues to demonstrate our long-standing deep concern for all our colleagues and students and our commitment to academic excellence at Ocean County College.
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
August 12, 2020
Ocean County College Restart Plan
To the College Community:
As we anticipate a partial return to campus-based instruction in September, we will, of necessity, continue to offer all academic instruction, except for a limited number of on-campus programs and laboratories, either remotely or online throughout the Fall 2020 semester.
In accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order No. 155, New Jersey colleges and universities are required to submit a restart plan to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education at least fourteen days prior to the return of students to campus. Last week, I submitted Ocean County College’s Restart Plan for the Fall 2020 semester, COVID-19 – The Road Back.
The College will schedule a limited number of on-campus laboratories for courses that require significant hands-on instruction in order to complete the courses satisfactorily, such as Nursing, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, Painting, TV Studio Production, and Continuing and Professional Education allied health programs. The College’s Restart Plan includes detailed information on the precautions that will be taken to keep students and staff safe and healthy when they return to campus for these programs only. The first group to return for laboratory instruction will be Nursing students on August 24, 2020.
We will distribute the Restart Plan to all students and employees as well as post it prominently on the OCC website. Appendix A, Safety Information Plan and Protocols for Students, is of significant importance. This document outlines the facilities modifications, enhanced cleaning and disinfection processes, personal protective equipment, and other precautions, all of which will minimize the risk of transmission for any illness. In addition to required employee training, all employees, students, and visitors will be required to complete a questionnaire each time they intend to be on campus. There will also be temperature checks in designated buildings that will be required as part of the campus process for returning. Except for personnel considered essential to the operation of the College, all employees will continue to perform their responsibilities remotely.
As has been the case since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the basis of all College decisions is first and foremost the health and safety of all our students, faculty, and staff. Our Restart Plan continues to demonstrate our long-standing deep concern for all our colleagues and students and our commitment to academic excellence at Ocean County College.
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
July 15, 2020
Fall Athletics Update
Dear Coaches, Students & Our Entire Viking Family —
This spring, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced his vision, “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health,” to put the state on the road to recovery, with principles and key metrics to guide the process for lifting restrictions and restoring New Jersey’s economic health through public health. These principles comprise learning from the lessons of COVID-19 and preparing for the possibility of a resurgence.
To adhere to this vision for the state, and following the recommendations from the National Junior College Athletic Association Presidential Advisory Council and the NJCAA Board of Regents, the NJCAA recently announced an adjusted plan of action for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year, which includes postponing most fall athletic competition.
Therefore, in compliance with New Jersey’s coronavirus pandemic-related rules and regulations for institutions, in light of the NJCAA’s decision, and, most importantly, in the interest of the health and safety of our students and staff, Ocean County College has determined that the Fall 2020 semester sport programs – Soccer, Volleyball, Cross Country, and Tennis – will not take place at this time.
This decision was not made lightly, yet we must do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation for our Spring 2021 season and will provide updates as they are available. We will focus on academics and maintaining eligibility, and hope to give athletics the green light in the spring semester.
“As we move forward as an association,” NJCAA president Dr. Christopher Parker said in a statement, “we will continue to provide opportunities for our student-athletes, coaches, and all those involved with the NJCAA to be safe and successful.”
Dr. Gerald Racioppi
Vice President of Student Affairs
June 17, 2020
President’s Message – Fall 2020 Semester
To the College Community:
While we are all eager to return to campus, a measured and gradual approach must be taken to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Given the continued complexities of COVID-19, the College will offer most fall 2020 semester for-credit and noncredit courses online or remotely.
There is a possibility that State regulations will permit on-campus instruction in the fall; if so, we are prepared to offer some face-to-face classes in areas such as Nursing and Health Sciences. In addition, we may consider offering other courses that require hands-on labs, including Criminal Justice and the Arts.
With a limited number of classes on campus, additional space will be available for students and faculty to maintain social distancing recommendations. We will fully adhere to all health and safety protocols as recommended by the State and the CDC, including enhanced cleaning and monitoring the wearing of personal protective equipment. Should some limited in-person instruction be resumed in the fall, alternatives will be offered to students who prefer to learn remotely for the semester. Technology-enhanced courses in Science will also be developed that provide an immersive experience by streaming live experiments.
The College’s plans will be informed by two guiding principles: 1) ensuring the health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff; and 2) maintaining an unyielding commitment to students’ success both inside and outside of the classroom. First and foremost, decisions will be made based on what is most likely to keep our students, faculty, and staff as safe as possible while delivering the highest quality instruction possible.
With the assistance of our well-prepared faculty, staff, and administrators, an even more comprehensive virtual education experience will be offered for students in fall 2020, including robust academic and student support. The College will provide computers to students who need them, as well as a host of remote student services, including tutoring, counseling, online student club activities, career services, and advising.
The College has continued to serve the needs of its students in various ways since the end of the spring semester. Most notably, “crisis boxes” are and will continue to be distributed by the OCC Foundation and Fulfill to students and their families who are experiencing food insecurity. These boxes of food will feed a family of four for four days.
I want to once again express my deep appreciation, as well as that of the members of the Board of Trustees, for your outstanding efforts as we met the challenges of the past three months and for your continued dedication to serving our students.
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
May 7, 2020
Ocean County College President’s Message on Plans for Instruction During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Ocean County College is providing high quality, affordable, remote instruction in all classes during the mandated campus closure and will continue for as long as necessary. All classes will be delivered remotely through August 31, 2020. Thereafter, OCC is prepared to offer in the fall semester both remote instruction and limited, select courses on campus that require laboratory experiences, including Nursing and STEM disciplines, with the approval of New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
Under the guidance of epidemiological scientists and the terms of all State and Federal executive orders, College officials are currently developing a plan to partially open the campus for in-person instruction. The reopening plan will include specific, strictly-enforced requirements for social distancing, wearing personal protective equipment, and other reasonable measures to protect our students, faculty, staff, and their families from COVID-19 infection.
We anticipate that many students, and their parents as well, will not wish to risk exposure by close contact in traditional classroom and dormitory settings and will opt for the world-class instruction for which Ocean County College has been ranked nationally as a top-ten leader. We recommend that students and families consider either the option of limited on-campus instruction in some disciplines or, the safest option, remote instruction from OCC.
As you make enrollment decisions, we urge you to consider the cost, convenience, and quality advantages of enrolling at OCC, where annual tuition, including most fees and all books, will average $5,250. Compare that to Rutgers University, where the 2020 annual tuition is estimated at $15,407, excluding books and living expenses. We ask, “Why pay more for remote instruction?” Why not enroll at the most well prepared, highest quality remote instruction college in New Jersey, Ocean County College.
All of OCC’s credits transfer to all in-state universities and most out-of-state universities. After completing an Associate Degree, students are guaranteed by State law to be admitted to any public New Jersey university as a junior. Graduates also have the option of remaining on the OCC campus to complete a Bachelor’s Degree at Kean University or transferring to one of our many partner universities, some of which allow students to complete three years at OCC and one year online. All of these options are surprisingly affordable and can make a debt-free Bachelor’s Degree a reality for OCC graduates.
Visit our website at www.ocean.edu. You will be happy you did!
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
April 10, 2020
OCC’s face-to-face classes for the Summer 1st 5-week session and the Summer 10-week session will be offered remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The classes will not meet on campus as scheduled, but instead will be offered through Canvas, our Online Learning Management System.
These courses will be pre-developed master online courses, or remote instruction designed by our course professors. Courses may be scheduled to meet online at specific times, or classwork may be assigned to be completed on your own time. E-Books, or rental textbooks, or purchased textbooks, will be required.
Dr. Jerry Racioppi
Vice President of Student Affairs
March 21, 2020
Summary of Executive Orders No. 107 and No. 108
March 20, 2020
Ocean County College To Remain Remote Through Spring Semester; College Is Cancelling Commencement Ceremony Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, Ocean County College has made the decision to continue online-only instruction and remote business practices through the Spring 2020 semester. During this period, student services will be available on-line and by phone, including the ability to register for future semesters.
The College further regrets to announce that 2020 Commencement ceremonies will be cancelled. This was a difficult decision but one OCC believes is necessary to keep students, families, faculty, and staff safe. OCC is working on some alternate ways to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates including a video overview of the past year on campus. Additional information will be available on the OCC website.
Sara Winchester
Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration
March 18, 2020
To Members of the Campus Community:
I am writing to inform you that the College has been assessing the global, national, and local factors relating to the rapidly shifting situation of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). Although there are few confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ocean County, making the risk of community transmission of the virus low, it is continuing to spread in various parts of the country and the state. As a result, a number of changes are being implemented at the College in response to the virus.
Beginning Monday, March 16, and until further notice, the College will move to virtual instruction and primarily remote business practices. OCC, like many other institutions following the guidance of public health officials, is adopting a practice of social distancing in an effort to safeguard its students and employees while still fulfilling its mission of academic excellence.
The College will continue to provide services via email and phone during regular business hours. Contact information for each department is available in our faculty and staff directory. Students are on Spring Break from Monday, March 16, through Sunday, March 22. All face-to-face classes are cancelled, from Monday, March 23, and until further notice, and will instead move to online instruction. Faculty members and lecturers will work with their deans to determine how best to continue class instruction.
Academic Operations
- In-person classes are cancelled from March 23 until further notice, and instead will be conducted remotely. Students will be contacted and provided instructions by their professors. Professors should contact their deans regarding continuity of instruction.
- Some face-to-face classes cannot easily be moved to an online format. Alternate arrangements will be provided by instructors for those classes.
- All online classes will continue as usual following Spring Break.
- The OCC Library will be closed but remote access continues to be available.
- Workforce education classes are postponed or may continue by way of distance learning. All continuing education students should contact their instructor for specific details regarding WPE meeting times.
Athletics and Student Life
- Ocean County College recognizes the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Given the constantly evolving landscape of closures and cancellations due to the COVID-19, the leadership of our institution has made the challenging decision to cancel all outdoor spring sports seasons, effective immediately. Our Executive Director of Athletics will work within the guidelines of NJCAA, to have all student-athletes regain their year of eligibility back for the 2020 spring season.
Student Services
- The HUB is available via phone and email during regular business hours to help you with financial aid, registration, academic advising appointments and much more! Visit go.ocean.edu/hub for online services or email hub@ocean.edu or call 732-255-0482.
College Events
- All events scheduled to take place from March 14 through March 29, 2020, will be cancelled or rescheduled, including theatre productions, planetarium shows, outside rentals, employee meetings, student events, and trustee meetings.
Administrative Operations
- The campus is closed, however, personnel who are considered to be essential to College operations will continue to report to work on campus. Essential personnel will receive instructions from their supervisors.
- Employees who have the ability to work remotely will continue their responsibilities from home and will receive instructions from their supervisors.
- Supervisors may assign project work to employees during this period.
- Supervisors may request employees to return to work if there is a reason to do so.
- Work-related meetings should be conducted remotely.
- Canteen Food Service will be closed.
- Security will continue to provide 24 hour service on campus.
- A deep cleaning will be undertaken by custodial personnel throughout the campus.
- Campus construction will continue.
At this time, it is anticipated that all on-campus operations will resume on Monday, March 30, 2020, including face-to-face classroom instruction; however, another assessment will be made before then to ensure it is safe for students and employees to return. We will continue to keep abreast of local, state, and federal guidelines and will communicate with you through email and the OCC website. If any student or employee tests positive for COVID-19 during this time, please report it via healthreporting@ocean.edu or 732-255-0379.
I want to express my appreciation to College members who have been monitoring the status of COVID-19 and its effects on OCC and Ocean County. I also appreciate your continued cooperation as we work together to maintain the health and well-being of our campus community.
Sincerely,
Jon H. Larson, Ph.D.
President
Coronavirus Update
The health and safety of our students and employees is paramount. Out of an abundance of caution, if you or someone close to you is not feeling well or experiencing any type of cold or flu symptoms, please stay home. Students should work individually with their instructors to make up coursework; the instructors will accommodate such requests. Students who plan to travel during spring break should consider their options carefully, take precautions as recommended by the CDC, and self-quarantine if necessary. Any student or employee who has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and contact the College at healthreporting@ocean.edu and/or 732-255-0379.
The CDC has issued new fact sheets on COVID-19 and how best to prevent exposure:
We will continue to update you on any news regarding COVID-19 as it becomes available.
IMPORTANT PREVENTION METHODS (CDC RECOMMENDATIONS)
In light of this matter and the ongoing cold and flu season, we continue to encourage students, faculty, and staff to take some basic precautionary measures.
To minimize the effects and spread of the COVID-19, flu and seasonal flu, please remember to:
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 30 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose. Immediately dispose of the tissue.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- And perhaps most importantly, if you are feeling ill – particularly with a respiratory ailment – see a health care professional immediately.
Additional Considerations:
- If you are a resident in a community where person-to-person spread of COVID-19 has been detected and you develop COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms.
- For people who are ill with COVID-19 but are not sick enough to be hospitalized, please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.
- If you have been in a country with a CDC Level 3 Warning or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity for up to 14 days. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow the spread of this virus. Employees who believe it is necessary to self-quarantine, should contact Human Resources.
Sara Winchester
Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration
March 3, 2020
To the College Community:
Dr. Larson requested that the following information be shared college-wide:
Update – Information on the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV)
In response to the concerns regarding the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV), the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are regularly updating their websites with current information. The best way to stay abreast of developments on the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) is to visit these websites, or make use of hotlines put in place to answer questions. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are our highest priority and we will continue to follow the guidance provided by public health authorities as it becomes available.
The websites are as follows:
New Jersey Department of Health: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
Here is some general information that remains in place:
What are the common symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
Information to date suggests this virus is causing symptoms consistent with a respiratory illness, such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
How is 2019-nCoV spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What measures should you take to prevent 2019-nCoV?
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or your sleeve, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash your hands often for at least twenty seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Stay home from class and work if you are sick.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Get a flu shot – it is not too late to be protected from the flu.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and objects.
World Health Organization Video About the Novel Coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV)
Questions Regarding COVID-19 Testing at OCC
In response to a number of inquiries regarding coronavirus testing on the Ocean County College campus, individuals seeking information should call the Ocean County COVID-19 Hotline at 732-341-9700, ext. 7411, or email covid@ochd.org.
Ocean County Health Department’s Testing InformationD-19 testing