Dear Students,

We write to you, on behalf of the College, to provide you with updated information as it relates to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).  Please know that the current risk for Massachusetts residents remains low.

What is GCC doing to respond to COVID-19?

GCC has established a working group covering the different facets of the College.  The working group is meeting regularly to assess the operations of the college and plan for changes if the need arises.  GCC is part of a coordinated statewide effort and is in regular contact with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and will continue to do so.

As part of our preparation efforts, campus leaders have been meeting to discuss and design a plan that would result in the least amount of impact to your education should COVID-19 impact operations at the College. This is part of a coordinated effort to prepare for the need to modify college operations that would result in the least amount of disruption to your semester.  Again, this is preparation only and we remain hopeful that we will not have to implement these plans.

The College has created a Health Alerts webpage that will be kept updated with relevant information impacting our community.

What should I do about traveling during spring break?

All College sponsored travel has been cancelled.  Only you can decide if you plan to engage in other travel.  The CDC recommends restricting travel to impacted countries.  The travel link on the CDC website offers helpful information and is updated regularly.  If you are traveling internationally during your break, we ask that you complete a voluntary Travel Reporting Form.  Details on how this information will be used can be found with the form.

Who do I talk to if I have a significant concern about the health of a student, friend or college employee?

Please reach out to Public Safety who are trained to handle medical responses.  They can be reached by dialing 413-775-1111.

What precautions should I take to protect against COVID-19?

The DPH recommends using the same precautions that help prevent colds and flu.

• Wash your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds.  If you are unable to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not with your hands).
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

For more information

The CDC website provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on all aspects of the virus.  The Massachusetts DPH has also created a website updated with the latest guidance, including printable fact sheets in multiple languages.

We encourage you to continue to check for health & safety updates as the information is rapidly changing. We also ask that members of our community be vigilant and responsive to combating ongoing issues of bias and xenophobia in affected communities.

On behalf of the campus community,

Anna Berry                                       Alex Wiltz
Dean of Students                            Director of Public Safety & Health Officer