COVID-19 Response

At NLC, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our students, customers, employees, and their families. For that reason, we are closely following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local and state governments during the unprecedented situation caused by COVID-19.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

In alignment with updated CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, NLC is no longer requiring isolation or quarantine for students exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Instead, we ask that you monitor for symptoms, and alert your instructor and stay home if symptoms develop. If you test positive for COVID, we ask that you isolate at home for the recommended period and inform anyone whom you recently had close contact with so they are aware of their exposure.

 

STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Visit the links below for more information about COVID-19 in the state where your NLC campus is located.

California
Florida
Idaho
Texas

 

GENERAL GUIDELINES

In alignment with updated CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, NLC is no longer requiring isolation or quarantine for students exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Instead, we ask that you monitor for symptoms, and alert your instructor and stay home if symptoms develop. If you test positive for COVID, we ask that you isolate at home for the recommended period and inform anyone whom you recently had close contact with so they are aware of their exposure.

BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN

For two weeks prior to school, NLC advises that you restrict unnecessary travel and quarantine yourself from other exposure risks.

Those who do not meet every standard below must self-quarantine for 14 days from the day they arrive within the housing zone (within 25 miles of campus) before coming to campus.

  • Has not traveled internationally OR on a cruise ship in the past 14 days.
  • Has not been admitted to a hospital in the past 14 days.
  • Has not been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days.
  • Is not currently experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 AND is not staying with anyone who is currently experiencing these symptoms. These symptoms include a fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and chills.
  • Has not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days OR is not still waiting for results from a COVID-19 test.
  • The state hosting your NLC campus does not require a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from your home state. Note that state restrictions may vary based on route and method of travel (such as driving versus flying).

 

BEFORE CLASSES END

NLC has imposed the following rules to slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • For the safety and protection of others, limit housing, hosting, or visiting with travelers from outside the area, including out-of-state visitors.
  • Do not travel to a COVID-19 hot spot. You may be required to quarantine upon return.
  • Seek guidance from your program academic coordinator for travel outside the state.
  • Travel to a COVID-19 hot spot without preapproval from your program academic coordinator may jeopardize your enrollment.
  • Obey local and state travel restrictions. Although your participation in a critical infrastructure workforce allows you to commute to and from campus, follow local regulations at other times.

 

STATE-SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS

Please review the state-specific travel and quarantine restrictions of the NLC campus you will be attending by clicking one of the links below.

California
Florida
Idaho
Texas

 

PROGRAM SPECIFICS

NLC continues to closely monitor the situation as state and local officials reopen economies through a phased approach. At this time, our three career programs will maintain the following formats:

  • The Electrical Lineworker Program will continue to utilize live, instructor-led online training and hands-on field training with strict social distancing and cleanliness standards. Classes and crews will regularly rotate between field and online coursework. As we continue to monitor and evaluate the situations all options for optimal training are being considered.
  • The Telecommunications Lineworker Program and Natural Gas Technician Program will maintain academic and field training on campus while operating under strict cleanliness and social distancing standards

In consultation with a qualified medical expert, NLC developed a series of COVID-19 mitigation and response strategies based on guidance from the CDC and Johns Hopkins University. Below is a list of actions we have taken to create a safe training environment for students, staff, contractors, and visitors while on campus:

STUDENT SUPPORT

  • Developed COVID-19 training and “kits” of important information for all students. Training is delivered to every student the first day of the term or course.
  • Developed student quarantine and isolation checklists to help students navigate questions they may have about their health or exposure status.
  • Formed a Student Services team to triage student support needs and requests in consultation with our qualified medical expert.
  • Developed posters and other signage to reinforce social distancing, wellness, and hygiene practices.
  • Rewrote program policies to allow for greater flexibility in the event students incur absences or need to withdraw due to COVID-19.
  • Secured additional student housing providers to increase social distancing.
  • Implemented additional policies for students to adhere to including travel restrictions, high-risk deferment, and more to minimize exposure risk.
  • Increased student access to instructors by implementing online evening office hours.*
  • Implemented a student portal to serve as a digital communication space.*

 

INCREASED CLEANING, SANITIZING, AND DISINFECTION PRACTICES

  • Installed UV-C light air sterilizers in all campus central HVAC systems.
  • Purchased portable UV-C air sterilizing units, deployed in areas not serviced by a central HVAC system.
  • Purchased portable UV-C stand-alone lamp sterilizers for general surface sterilization at all campuses.
  • Placed surface disinfectant and hand cleaning products liberally around all campuses.
  • Hired additional janitorial staff, increasing the number of times areas were being cleaned and sanitized.
  • Installed hand washing stations around field and building entrances.
  • Purchased T360 Clorox hydrostatic sprayers.
  • Secured contractors to provide industrial-strength disinfection on campuses and in student housing for suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

 

SCREENING PROCEDURES

  • All students and visitors are screened for high-risk status and travel history two weeks before classes or visits begin.
  • Campus visits are limited to essential personnel only.
  • Temperature scans are available at each campus.
  • Developed contact tracing procedures and guidance documents.

 

SOCIAL DISTANCE MEASURES

  • Issued social distancing policies for staff and students.
  • Developed strict travel policies and screening procedures.
  • Developed online academic training to increase social distancing as students rotate between online academics and on-campus field training.
  • Redesigned student schedules to increase social distancing.

 

WELLNESS

  • Developed mask guidance and supplied neck gaiters to all on campus.
  • Hired medical professionals at each campus to administer temperature scanning and triage student health needs.
  • Developed the safety monitor role on each campus responsible for conducing observations and reminding all individuals on campus of social distance and hygiene protocol.
  • Contracted with medical professionals for ongoing consultation and support at all campuses.