CLPCCD Updates - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Message from the Chancellor
February 24, 2023
Subject Heading: Suspension of COVID-19 Vaccinate Mandate
Dear CLPCCD Colleagues,
At the February 21, 2023 board meeting, the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) Board of Trustees voted to suspend the COVID-19 vaccine mandate effective April 24, 2023. The change will apply to students and employees of the CLPCCD beginning in April to coincide with the start of the 2023 summer registration period. Previous changes to administrative procedures had already suspended the COVID-19 mandate for all visitors.
Changes to Board Policies 7330 & 5210 and Administrative Procedure 5211 were guided by data from the Alameda County Public Health Department and our own internal tracking of student and employee cases. Revisions to board policies allow for flexibility should public health conditions warrant a return to vaccine mandates in the future. After engaging in extensive conversations with our constituent groups, this decision aims to address concerns of equitable access to programs and services while balancing the need to maintain safe learning and work environments.
In Alameda County, 94% of residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 87% are considered fully vaccinated. The district continues to prioritize student and employee safety. Therefore, while the vaccine mandate will soon be suspended, the district highly encourages our community to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting boosters if eligible. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and prevent severe illness. Other safety measures that will remain in place include access to testing and a flexible face covering policy that adjusts according to changing risk levels in our county.
It has been nearly three years since the pandemic forced us to change the way we work, learn, and interact with one another. I want to recognize how difficult these changes have been for everyone and thank you for your partnership as we navigated uncertainty together. Our hope is that this next phase allows us to manage pandemic risks in a way that is least disruptive to our community.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Gerhard
Chancellor
January 20, 2023
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a weekly COVID-19 update that has placed Alameda County back in the “low risk” category (green). Based on our current face covering policy, masks will be optional in all indoor and outdoor spaces throughout our district effective Monday, January 23, 2023.
On June 4, 2022, our district transitioned to a new policy, which leaves room for our county’s current conditions to determine the appropriate masking response. Every Thursday afternoon, the county updates its information and determines Alameda County’s risk level. Our community can review the weekly status on the district’s COVID updates web page. We will be communicating with students to notify them of this change in status. Please also be mindful of updating on-campus signage as needed. See below to view how to interpret what each level means for you.
In addition to this overall masking policy, Cal/OSHA allows for staff to request that individuals entering their personal workspace use a mask regardless of the county’s status. Staff are asked to post the attached sign around their work area if they are making such a request.
News of a decrease in COVID-19 community level risk is a great way to start our first
week of the spring 2023
term. Thank you for your continued partnership.
December 14, 2022
Dear CLPCCD Community,
The district has been engaged in conversations with our constituent groups over the last several weeks to better understand the impacts of our COVID-19 vaccine mandate on our community. Your candid feedback and experiences have helped guide our planned next steps. At the heart of any decision regarding pandemic precautionary measures is finding a balance between safety and providing equitable access to our programs and services. The following outlines the district’s path forward as we seek to deliver a quality educational experience to our community while recognizing that COVID-19 continues to pose a health threat.
Ending the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for VISITORS
Effective December 14, 2022, the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District will no longer require that visitors to Chabot College, Las Positas College, the District Office in Dublin, and the Economic Development and Contract Education offices in Pleasanton provide proof of vaccination. Please share this news with your community contacts. A concern we heard most prominently was that the vaccine mandate was creating equity and access issues for prospective students seeking to visit our college campuses. Many of our K-12 feeder districts in our service area do not have a similar mandate in place. By requiring proof of vaccination on our campuses for prospective students, their families, and other community partners, we are inadvertently creating a barrier for those seeking to engage with our district and this step will help us remedy that.
Future Decision Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for STUDENTS and STAFF
Similar conversations are taking place regarding the vaccine mandate for registered students taking in person classes and for employees. Unlike the change in procedure for visitors, a change in board policy is required if the district decides to suspend the current mandate for registered students and employees. A decision impacting these two groups is expected in the spring and any changes to the current policy would take effect beginning in the summer term.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and prevent severe illness. Over 86% of Alameda
County residents are fully vaccinated. Any changes to our policies and procedures
do not reflect a shift in our alignment with the recommendations of public health
experts. The district continues to encourage our community to stay up to date with
their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting boosters if eligible. See below for
answers to frequently asked questions we’ve received around this topic. For additional
questions or to share your thoughts, please email prmg@clpccd.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Who is considered a “visitor” and no longer required to show a proof of COVID-19
vaccine after December 14?
A: A visitor is anyone other than an employee or student of the district. Visitors include prospective students, industry partners, event guests, contractors, and event organizers, among others.
Q: What safety measures will remain in place for the CLPCCD community once visitors become exempt from the vaccine mandate?
A: Visitors will be reminded to stay home if they are experiencing any symptoms. Our dynamic face covering policy will also add a level of protection. Our county risk level continues to be monitored weekly and could result in masking requirements in our facilities. Also, employees can request that masks be worn when anyone enters their personal workspace. Please continue to follow our district’s COVID-19 Safe Practices for more information.
Q: Why not also suspend the student/employee vaccine mandate effective immediately?
A: Students need to be made aware of changes to their learning environment in advance to allow them to plan for their learning experience. By making a decision regarding the student/employee vaccine mandate in the spring, prior to summer enrollment, we allow both staff and students the opportunity to plan for any changes.
December 9, 2022
Dear CLPCCD Community,
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a weekly COVID-19 update that has placed Alameda County in the “medium risk” category (yellow). Based on our current face covering policy, masks will be required in all classrooms and public specialized areas effective Monday, December 12. The public specialized areas are identified in dark purple on the Safe Work Area Zone Map for each district location. Masks are also highly encouraged in any space where individuals cannot maintain six feet of distance from others.
On June 4, 2022, our district transitioned to a new policy, which leaves room for our county’s current conditions to determine the appropriate masking response. Every Thursday afternoon, the county updates its information and determines Alameda County’s risk level. Our community can review the weekly status on the district’s COVID updates web page. We will be communicating with students to notify them of this change in status. Please also be mindful of updating on-campus signage as needed. See below to view how to interpret what each level means for you.
In addition to this overall masking policy, Cal/OSHA allows for staff to request that individuals entering their personal workspace use a mask regardless of the county’s status. Staff are asked to post the attached sign around their work area if they are making such a request.
This is not the news we were hoping for as we look to close out the fall term, but we are reminded of the importance of maintaining dynamic safety protocols that allow us to pivot quickly when the pandemic risk level changes. Thank you for your continued partnership as we seek to maintain the safest possible learning and work environments.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Gerhard
Chancellor
August 19, 2022
Dear CLPCCD Community,
The mask mandate that has been in place across our district due to a high community risk level in our county has now expired. This comes as we learn that Alameda County has now moved to a low community risk level, according to the CDC. Moving to a low risk or “green” level means that masks will be OPTIONAL in all district and college locations effective Friday, August 19, 2022.
Every Thursday afternoon, the county updates its information and determines whether Alameda County is at low, medium, or high risk. The assessment is based on hospitalization rates and on new cases of COVID-19. Our community will be able to review the weekly status on the district’s COVID updates web page. We will also share any future changes to the risk levels with you via email and on-campus signage. See below to view how to interpret what each level means for you
Let’s also remember to be empathetic with colleagues and students who may choose to continue to mask as a personal preference. Please note that Cal/OSHA allows for staff to request that individuals entering their personal work space use a mask regardless of the county’s current status. Staff are asked to post the attached sign around their work area if they are making such a request.
We remind you to continue to monitor for symptoms and stay home if you feel ill. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Gerhard
Chancellor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: If I’m at higher risk for complications due to COVID-19, can I require that employees and students wear a mask when present in my immediate work area, regardless of the current threat level outlined by the three-tier system?
A: Yes. Cal-OSHA states that individuals may set mask standards for their personal work space. Signs indicating this requirement in specific work areas must be prominently posted in the entrances to those work areas. The campus community is encouraged to continue to carry a mask in anticipation of entering spaces where a face covering may be required. The district will continue to provide masks to all employees who request a mask, per Cal/OSHA guidance.
Q: How will this new masking guidance impact those who are unvaccinated?
A: The Cal/OSHA Standards Board met on April 21, 2022 and formally adopted a third version of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). The updated ETS removes the definition for the term “fully vaccinated.” As a result of this change, the amended regulations no longer distinguish between employees based on their vaccination status, including on such subjects as the use of face coverings, the provision of respirators, and the testing of symptomatic employees. The updated regulations eliminate the requirement that employees who are not fully vaccinated wear face coverings indoors and in vehicles.
Q: How will the district community be notified of changes in the county’s risk level that could again require the temporary reinstatement of a mask mandate?
A: The ACPHD will be providing updates on the county’s current risk level on Thursday of each week, and any needed protocol changes would apply thereafter. Any potential changes in guidance will be communicated on the district and college websites, via on-campus signage, and through email.
Q: I have additional questions regarding the upcoming change to the masking policy. How can I seek answers to those questions?
A: Shifts in our safety practices will understandably lead to many questions. Email us at prmg@clpccd.org if have additional questions that were not addressed in this communication. Your questions will help us expand this FAQ section, which will remain available at http://districtazure.clpccd.org/urgentalerts/index.php
August 10, 2022
Dear CLPCCD Community,
You may be hearing more in the news or in our community about the spread of monkeypox, and I know this can be concerning after all we’ve endured with the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 1st, 2022, the governor proclaimed a state of emergency to support California’s response to monkeypox. A copy of the proclamation can be found here. While there have been no reported cases of monkeypox in our district community, we know how important it is to share information from trusted sources of information as a preventative strategy.
Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus not commonly seen in the United States. However, monkeypox cases recently have been found across the United States, including right here in the Bay Area. Monkeypox can make you sick, with symptoms like a rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores, often with an earlier flu-like illness. The Chabot-Las Positas Community College District is monitoring the situation and staying apprised of information and resources being provided by public health authorities to stop the further spread of the current monkeypox outbreak.
If we all know the facts and work together, we can help to stop the spread of monkeypox. Please follow the tips below to help maintain a safe learning and work environment:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Stay home and contact your healthcare provider if you:
- feel sick or
- have a fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes, or
- have a new or unexplained rash, which may look like pimples, blisters, or sores
Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact including:
- Direct contact with monkeypox rash, sores, or scabs from a person with monkeypox.
- Contact with objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox.
- Contact with respiratory secretions, through kissing and other face-to-face contact.
This contact can happen in certain social and sexual situations including:
- Hugging, massage, and kissing.
- Sex or touching the genitals of a person with monkeypox.
- Touching fabrics and objects that were used by a person with monkeypox and that have not been disinfected.
The risk to most people remains low, but knowledge empowers us all and keeps us healthy! For more information about monkeypox, visit this website from the Centers for Disease Control.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Gerhard
Chancellor
July 5, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
The Alameda County Public Health Department has moved back into the COVID-19 Community Level red tier, designated as high risk. As a result, the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) will now revert back to an indoor masking policy consistent with the high-risk tier. Indoor masking is now required, regardless of vaccination status, in all District and College locations. This change at CLPCCD district offices and our college campuses is effective immediately.
Every Thursday afternoon, the county updates its information and determines whether Alameda County is in low, medium, or high risk. The assessment is based on hospitalization rates and on new cases of COVID-19. Our community will be able to review the weekly status by viewing the tool that is available HERE. We will also share any changing status with you via email and on-campus signage. See below to view how to interpret what each level means for you.
n addition to this overall masking policy, Cal/OSHA allows for staff to request that individuals entering their personal work space use a mask regardless of the county’s current status. Staff are asked to post the attached sign around their work area if they are making such a request. Please note that our public health experts recommend that wearing masks and getting vaccinated are the best ways to stay protected.
Please note that our public health experts recommend that wearing masks and getting vaccinated are the best ways to stay protected.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Summer & Fall Vaccine Upload Information
Students,
For the summer and fall 2022 semesters, we will offer courses on campus as well as online and in hybrid modalities. We are writing to let you know that the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees passed a mandate that all students attending classes, programs, using services or participating in any activity on any campus or otherwise in person must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Also, please remember that there is still a mask mandate in place when indoors on any campus or in any district facility.
Students who are taking in-person classes or who need to come to campus for any reason (to access tutoring, student services, the Library, STEM Center, CTE, etc.) are required to submit proof of vaccination via CLEARED4.
Students must have their vaccination information or exemption approved before becoming eligible to register for in-person classes. Registration for summer and fall 2022 classes begins on April 25, 2022. Medical or religious exemption forms are available from the President’s Office at each college.
Students attending online-only classes for the summer and fall 2022 semesters and who will not be visiting campus for any reason, are not required to upload their vaccination information.
Please do not delay getting vaccinated as the college(s) may need additional time to process and verify vaccination status.
Prior to your registration appointment date, you will receive an email from CLEARED4 with directions on how to upload your vaccine verification. Three options will be offered for submitting proof of vaccination:
- Option 1: Upload a photo or scanned copy of completed CDC COVID-19 vaccination card for either Johnson & Johnson, Moderna or Pfizer vaccinations.
- Option 2: Upload your digital vaccination record (typically a JPG or PNG file), which you can obtain at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
- Option 3: Connect health data through CLEARED4 to your Electronic Health Record (EHR) provided by your insurance and/or health care provider.
If you are vaccinated, please submit your vaccination to the CLEARED4 link you will receive shortly.
If you are not getting vaccinated before your registration opens, you will not be allowed to register for in-person classes or allowed on-site access to any college campus or district facility.
If you are approved for an exemption from vaccination, you will be required to wear a fitted N-95 mask while on-site at any college campus or district facility. You will also be required to provide a weekly negative COVID-19 test result. To submit a request for an exemption please contact your college’s Office of Student Services.
- Chabot College: ccarcom@chabotcollege.edu | Ph: 510.723.6700
- Las Positas College: lpc-admissions@laspositascollege.edu | Ph: 925-424-1500
COVID-19 vaccination is free to all regardless of immigration or insurance status. For more information on vaccination clinics near you and to make an appointment please visit myturn.ca.gov.
Your safety is our priority, and we want you to be successful at Chabot College/Las Positas College. We look forward to seeing you on-site or online soon. Please continue to check your student email and your spam folder for the CLEARED4 email and more information. Thank you for your participation in keeping a safe campus environment.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Gerhard
Chancellor
Board Policy 5210 Communicable Disease Protocols
Click "Archives" on the left to see previous COVID-19 information.