The Bristol Together plan was created to keep our college community safe during the pandemic. Although COVID-19 is not as prevalent as it once was, it is important that we continue to monitor our community and our college locations. Below is some helpful information, and you can visit this link for more general employee information.

What to do if you have COVID-19 symptoms?  

COVID-19 should be treated like any other communicable illness. Keeping the college community safe should be the priority of everyone who is visiting any of our college locations.  If you test positive for COVID-19, please follow the guidance below.

Employees:   

Notify your supervisor .

  • Employees who test positive for COVID-19, or any other respiratory infection, should let their supervisor know if they are sick and have a fever. An employee who is well enough to work and can accomplish all required tasks of their role at the college remotely, as determined by their supervisor, can be approved to telework for a short period of time while they present a fever.
  • Employees who are symptomatic but did not or no longer have a fever and are feeling able to work can report to their workplace but will be required to wear a mask until they are no longer symptomatic.
  • Employees who are unable to work due to illness should discharge sick time.
  • Employees will let their supervisor know when they are ready to return to work.
  • Employees who are requesting accommodations in addition to CDC guidance, should email us at HR@BristolCC.edu providing details, including a picture or document with your test results that includes the date of the test. Please only use subject line COVID-19 when contacting Human Resources about COVID-19 related accommodations. Using only this subject line will allow us to get back to you in the most efficient manner.   

Supervisors:   

Check in with employee.

  • Evaluate the employee's readiness to return to work and either support the employees in returning to work, as needed, or refer to Human Resources for extended leave or accommodations.

Resources for Prevention, Treatment, and Protection

COVID-19 Vaccination policy

As of May 18, 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine policy for students and employees expired. In general, there is no longer a COVID-19 vaccination policy. Some specific groups of students and employees may be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of their clinical or external placements. Click for more information.

Face Masks

Wearing masks or face coverings indoors at any Bristol Community College location is dependent on the daily level of new COVID-19 cases in our area. See below for more information. 

Treatment

If you are concerned about the impacts COVID-19 can have, or you’re more likely to experience other complications resulting from COVID-19, Mass.gov has put together a resource page with treatment options, as well as emergency warning signs to look out for. Please visit this website for details. 

Know your Color! 

Please see the graph below as a visual guide and check this location for updates on whether a mask is required or not.

Mask guidance color codes

Masking Guide:

Color Description Masking
RED: 135 or more new COVID-19 cases per day.
High Risk, dining restrictions.
MASKS REQUIRED
ORANGE: 5-134 new cases per day.
Moderately High Risk.
MASKS RECOMMENDED
YELLOW: 58-94 new cases per day.
Moderately Low Risk.
MASKS RECOMMENDED
GREEN: 57 or fewer new cases per day.
Low Risk.
MASKS OPTIONAL

When the positive case count drops to seven consecutive days that average below our threshold of 135 cases or fewer per day, we drop the requirement of using masks on campus back to recommended. If cases climb back to an average of 135 cases a day, we will shift to requiring masks. Free masks are available at the entrances of most Bristol Community College buildings.

COVID-19 Rapid Tests and Masks are Available at all Bristol Locations Listed Below

Attleboro Campus
Main Office
11 Field Road, Attleboro, MA 02703

Fall River Campus
Bristol Police Department
777 Elsbree Street, Fall River, MA 02720
D110, Hudnall Administration Building (D building)

New Bedford Campus
Main Office
800 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740

Taunton Center
Main Office
2 Hamilton Street, Taunton, MA 02780

Mental & Emotional Well-being 

Human Resources realizes that this is a stressful time for our employees. There are many support services available throughout our community. All employees can view available wellness resources on the Human Resources Student Wellness Mental Health Counseling is available through Bristol's Counseling Services. Visit Counseling Services or call 774.357.2234

  • CARE Team: To make a referral to the CARE Team, visit the CARE Team page. 
  • Mass4You: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Employee Assistance Program Mass4You or call 844.263.1982 (available 24/7) 
  • Call2Talk: Mental health, emotional support and suicide prevention program provided by Mass211. It runs 24/7 and is there to help during stressful times Mass211.org/Call2Talk

Travel 

Within the United States, check the state and territorial health department websites for the latest information. 

Please review Bristol’s current COVID-19 Employee Travel Protocol on the Policies, Disclosures & Legal Statements page.