COVID-19 Self-Reporting & Exposure
If you test positive for COVID-19, self-report through the MCC Covid-19 Reporting Form.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19, you no longer need to self-report, but do follow this guidance from the CDC:
- Watch for symptoms for 10 days
- Wear a mask around others indoors for 10 days
- Test five days after exposure (sooner if you have symptoms), if positive self-report.
- Take extra precautions for 10 days when around people more likely to get very sick.
Quarterly Wellness Update
Summer is here! Whether you are working, taking classes, planning a vacation or having fun outdoors, MCC is here to provide education and awareness on the trending health and wellness topics for the summer months.
Sun Safety
The heat kills more than 600 people in the United States each year. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is important to be aware of at all ages, but poses a greater risk for people under the age of 4 and over 65.
- Heat exhaustion: Occurs when your body loses excess amounts of water and salt, typically from sweating.
- Heat stroke: Is a serious medical emergency that occurs when your body is unable to control its internal temperature.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of health exhaustion and heat stroke.
The best ways to protect yourself from the heat is to stay cool, hydrated and aware. Find air conditioning during the hot hours, drink plenty of water, wear cooler clothing and be informed of any heat advisories in your area.
Sunburns
Sunburns are a common summertime injury for people of all ages. It can take as little as 15 minutes for unprotected skin to be burned by the sun’s UV rays. The sun’s UV rays are at its peak between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunscreen is recommended even on cloudy days. If enjoying the water or outside for extended periods of time, sunscreen should be reapplied every one to two hours at minimum.
Read up on more tips for staying safe in the sun.
Importance of Hydration
Staying hydrated is always important for optimal body functioning, but even more important during the hot and humid months. Fluids are lost through sweating, which happens a lot more in the heat. Not drinking enough water can put you at risk of dehydration.
Dehydration is a harmful and dangerous loss of body fluid. Some common dehydration symptoms in adults are fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and less frequent urination.
Reminders to help stay hydrated:
- Remember the 8x8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses) as a baseline goal for water consumption each day.
- Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day to casually sip on.
- Consuming foods with a high-water content like melons, lettuce, and cucumbers, can also help with hydration.
- Try downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Learn more tips and tricks for staying hydrated.
Severe Weather
Severe thunderstorms and tornados typically occur during the spring and summer months in Nebraska. It is important to understand the difference in alerts and to have a safety plan at school, work, or at home. If at MCC, shelter locations are designated and labeled with an orange tornado symbol.
- Tornado Watch: Typically, last 4-8 hours and cover a large area. You do not need to seek shelter at this time, but be prepared to do so and continue to monitor the weather.
- Tornado Warning: Radar has indicated tornadic activity. Seek shelter immediately. Warning sirens will sound to remind you to take shelter and typically last about 30 minutes.
- Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Typically, last between 4-8 hours. You do not need to seek shelter at this time, but be prepared to do so and continue to monitor the weather.
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Storm radar or a spotter reports a thunderstorm producing hail and/or strong winds. Seek shelter immediately. Many times, the warning sirens will also sound as a reminder.
If there is a severe thunderstorm or tornado in your area:
- Know how your community sends warning signs.
- Stay inside and away from windows
- Shelter in the basement of your building or go to an inside room without windows on the lowest level.
- Make sure to have a charged phone or be charging in case of a power outage.
- Make sure to have a flashlight in case of an outage.
- If you have time before severe weather hits, secure loose objects outside.