Hopkinsville Community College officials announced Wednesday all general education courses without a lab or a technical component have been moved online after a student tested positive for COVID-19.
College leadership says they learned of the student’s positive test on Tuesday, and the student is currently quarantined at home. College officials say they have been in contact with multiple local health officials who agree that no contact tracing will be necessary because safety protocols of face coverings and social distancing were followed. They add the Christian County Health Department did advise HCC to communicate with the students who were in the same class and request that they self-monitor for symptoms.
As a result of the current situation, HCC administrators have decided to further reduce the number of students and employees required to be on campus. Officials say all in-person general education courses without a lab or technical component will move to a virtual learning format starting Thursday, August 20.
HCC President Dr. Alissa Young explains that the college was already offering a large amount of online and hybrid courses because of the pandemic. She says taking into consideration this positive case in addition to Christian County’s 10% positivity rate, they have decided to move these courses to an online format. She adds HCC will continue with a small number of in-person technical and lab-related courses utilizing face coverings, social distancing, hand hygiene, and extensive facility cleaning.
In addition, HCC officials are asking that no one come to campus if they are ill, have a fever, are exhibiting any of the symptoms of the coronavirus, have been exposed to the virus, have tested positive for COVID-19, or are awaiting test results. Officials add students should stay home and communicate with their instructors if they fall into any of these categories. COVID-19 concerns or reporting can also be directed to HCC’s Campus Health Officer at (270) 707-3722.
HCC’s Fall II term begins October 19. College officials say they will finalize class format decisions for those 8-week courses by October 5.
HCC leadership says the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff are top priorities at the college, and they will continue to monitor the local COVID-19 positivity rates and follow recommendations of local health officials and the governor’s office.
