COVID-19 Update - April 16, 2021
DATE: April 16, 2021
TO: Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
FROM: Chancellor Ronald Gerhard, CLPCCD
President Susan Sperling, Chabot College
President Dyrell Foster, Las Positas College
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update
First and foremost, thank you for continuing to serve our students and communities this past year. The pandemic fell upon us suddenly and without prediction and because of your commitment to our students, colleges, and district, we have consistently supported and served our students. I know this statement of gratitude has been said many times over the last year but it simply cannot be overstated.
Last week, Governor Newsom announced that he intends on reopening the state effective June 15th, ending the use of the reopening framework the state and county have been using to ease restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The full reopening is conditional upon two criteria:
- Vaccine supply is sufficient to Californians 16 years and older who wish to be inoculated
- The state made vaccines available to this group on Thursday, April 15th
- Hospitalizations are stable and low, and specifically hospitalizations among fully vaccinated individuals are low
Specifically, as this relates to us, the governor went on to say that “schools and institutions of higher education should conduct full-time, in person instruction, in compliance with Cal/OSHA emergency temporary standards and public health guidelines.” As they stand today, these standards still require us to maintain social distancing of approximately 6 feet and require the use of masks and other PPE.
Unless more specific guidance is provided by the governor or state chancellor’s office, this will not modify our existing plans for the fall 2021 term. We continue to plan and view fall as a transition period.
County Health Update: Alameda County has reported 83,298 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 821,866 doses of vaccine administered (last updated April 14, 2021). These figures represent an increase of 1,494 new cases and 259,613 doses of vaccine administered over the last two weeks.
Alameda County continues to be in tier 3 or Orange.
Our county’s updated figures are:
- Adjusted number of new COVID-19 cases reported per day, per 100,000 residents. Most
recently, Alameda County has reported 3.1 adjusted cases per day, per 100,000 residents.
- Overall test positivity rate. This percentage represents the number of COVID-19 tests that resulted in a positive test result. Most recently, Alameda County has reported a test positivity rate of 1.2%.
- Lowest Healthy Places Index (HPI) test positivity rate. This percentage rate is a measure of different indicators that reflect geographic socioeconomic disadvantage. Most recently, Alameda County has reported a HPI test positivity rate of 2.1%.
Reminder - Health protocols: If you are feeling sick, do not come to the office, contact your doctor, and notify your supervisor. If you are an essential employee, while at or away from the office, please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and follow other standard health practices.
Please see our District’s safe working practices protocols outlined in our COVID-19 Safety Plan.
As always, please continue to visit the district urgent alerts webpage for up-to-date information, and contact your Presidents’ Office or administrator for additional questions and/or guidance.