Know How it Spreads
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- 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, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone Should
Clean Your Hands Often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Put distance between yourself and other people.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose With a Cloth Face Cover When Around Others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Dallas College recommends masks to be worn at any of our locations.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
- Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
COVID-19 symptoms may appear within the first two days and up to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may be mild or severe. COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Seek emergency medical attention if experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
For additional information on symptoms, please
review the CDC website.
If you test positive for COVID-19, and you are experiencing symptoms, seek care from your health care provider. Follow the instructions of your health care provider. If you are an employee or student of Dallas College, also complete the following:
- Report your COVID-19 positive test result on
the eConnect form.
- If you are a student, this form is in the Student Menu.
- If you are an employee, this form is in the Employee Menu.
- A member of the Business Continuity Office will contact you and conduct a post-positive investigation.
- You will be advised to follow
CDC guidelines as applicable to your situation.
- Students are to notify their instructors of their need to be out of face-to-face class and make arrangements to complete missed assignments.
- Employees are to notify their supervisor of the need to be out and take appropriate leave and make arrangements for the completion of work assignments.
Please see the
CDC Isolation and Self-Quarantine Guidelines for individuals who have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
Dealing with any type of disease can take its toll on individuals. If you need counseling or other means of anxiety relief, please refer to the following services:
Students
Employees
- Dallas College employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program, in which they can avail themselves to a counselor.
General resources available to students and employees include:
Vaccines
Dallas College strongly encourages its employees and students to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Vaccination Locations
Information about vaccination locations can be found on the Dallas County Health and Human Services
COVID-19 Vaccine page.
Testing
- Testing Locations
Information about testing locations can be found on the Dallas County Health and Human Services
Testing Locations webpage. -
At Home Testing
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. If you need a COVID-19 test now, please see other testing resources in your area.
Order Your at Home Tests