General FAQs
Westchester Community College continues to monitor closely the evolving public health situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A Preparedness Response Team is working closely with all areas of the college to respond to this evolving situation. The team continues to maintain close contact with the Westchester County Department of Health, New York State Department of Health, and the State University of New York System Administration.
Q. Is anyone at Westchester Community College observing self-quarantine?
Q. How are cancellations or college closings announced?
A. The Office of Marketing and Communications makes announcements on the college’s website (www.sunywcc.edu) and via college email. Please be sure your information is up-to-date in MyWCC to receive official college communications. For the latest and most accurate information, see the college website at https://www.sunywcc.edu/covid-19.
Q. What happens if someone at the college tests positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A. With a significant increase in confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Westchester Community College continues to be vigilant in its efforts to decrease the spread of the disease. If an individual in our community tests positive, we will work with county health officials to ensure that anyone that may have been in contact with this person is contacted and directed to self-quarantine or get tested if they are showing symptoms. No personally identifiable information will be released in compliance with FERPA and HIPPA privacy regulations.
Q. What is the college doing to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A. You can find details of the college’s re-emergence plans at https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/updates-from-the-college/
Q. Will the deep cleaning and sanitizing continue on a regular basis?
A. Yes.
Q: This is a stressful time. What counseling and support resources are available?
- Reduce exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
- Recognize what you have control over and what you do not.
- Though we do not have control over the situation at hand, we do have control over the steps we take to protect ourselves and practice self-care.
- Take care of your physical well-being:
- Take deep breaths, stretch, and meditate.
- Eat health, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Go outside (even if you are avoiding crowds).
- Try to get plenty of sleep.
- Engage in activities you enjoy and that you normally do.
- Maintaining a sense of normalcy is important during times of crisis.
- Connect with your family, friends, and others to talk about your feelings
- Practice positive thinking and remind yourself of your resiliency
- Most people overestimate how they will be impacted by negative events and underestimate their ability to cope with stress effectively.
- Remind yourself of healthy ways you have dealt with stress before.
- Remind yourself that with time the situation will pass and so will your feelings.
- Accept feelings of anxiety, worry, and uncertainty.
- Describe the feeling in the moment to yourself or others.
- Acknowledge how you feel without judging the feeling.
- Facing anxiety in the moment will lead to less anxiety over time.
- Reach out to professional help if needed!
Check-out our Personal Counseling Department’s Resource Page for local mental health resources.