Containment, Response and Control Plan

Revised June 24, 2022

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Table of Contents

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Introduction

The COVID-19 Containment, Response, and Control Plan (Plan) reflects the input and work of the Santa Clarita Community College District (District), together with guidance from qualified legal, medical, and technical experts, to facilitate a safe environment for employees and students on College of the Canyons’ Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. This Plan meets or exceeds all current requirements from local and national health authorities, including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies such as the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The Plan is developed in conformity with CDPH’s Guidance: Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors, updated May 2, 2022, LADPH’s revised Health Order, issued April 21, 2022, LADPH’s Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education Requirements and Best Practices, updated March 11, 2022, LADPH’s Guidance for COVID-19 Exposure Management in Institutes of Higher Education, updated April 29, 2022, and Cal/OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standards, revised May 16, 2022. The District will also follow any other government protocols applicable to its services and facilities.

The Plan addresses (i) the full reopening of campus facilities in light of California’s lifting of pandemic restrictions; (ii) ongoing safety mandates; and (iii) permissible campus activities. The District reserves the right to modify this Plan consistent with operational needs and in conformity with all applicable laws and regulations. Further changes to health and safety regulations, including implementation of heightened restrictions on activities, will depend on county/regional conditions including epidemiological trends (such as new COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates consistently being stable or decreasing over at least 14 days), availability of community testing resources, breadth of vaccine distribution, and adequate District preparedness and public health capacity to respond to case and outbreak investigations. All reopening plans will be made in accordance with directives from public health officials and other authorities.

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Entry to District Campuses

Entry to Campus

To further mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all persons entering campus must continue to monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 and must follow posted signage. Unless otherwise noted herein, face coverings are not required for entry at this time, but all individuals are permitted to wear a face covering for the purpose of protecting themselves and others from COVID-19. The District will post signs advising all entrants to campus that they must be symptom free to enter, and entrants certify they are symptom free by entering (see Health Screenings for a list of COVID-19 symptoms).

Vaccine-or-Test Mandate Procedure No Longer in Effect

The “Vaccine-or-Test Procedure” previously required for entry to campus has been rescinded. Asymptomatic individuals are not required to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test to enter campus. The District routinely reviews its safety policies and may re-implement vaccine and testing requirements if warranted by public health conditions.

Visitors to Campus

Visitors to campus, including those participating in University Center partner programs, are not required to provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test prior to entry. Should public health authorities reinstate mandatory vaccinations or asymptomatic testing requirements, the District will comply to the fullest extent required by law.

Protocols for parents of children enrolled in the District’s Center for Early Childhood Education (CECE) can be found here and all parents of enrolled CECE students must comply with those directives and protocols as they are substantially different, but not less restrictive, from the District’s general protocols.

Visitors arriving to campus with children must ensure that their children stay with them while inside buildings or in courtyards and must avoid touching any person or item that does not belong to them. Visitors should review any additional protocols applicable to their activity or campus destination to determine what exceptions or additional rules may apply. Helpful FAQs can be found here.

Visitors must self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to entering. Entry is prohibited if symptoms are present.

Signage

Signage is posted throughout District campuses notifying visitors, as well as reminding employees and students, of face covering guidance, hygiene and sanitation recommendations, and the requirement to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms before entering. Persons entering campus must comply with all signs and directives.

Deliveries to Campus

Deliveries to campus are no longer subject to specific COVID-19 protocols. However, those making deliveries and those receiving them must comply with all applicable COVID-19 guidelines still in effect, including the requirement to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to entering campus.

Travel

Compliance is Mandatory

Compliance with all aspects of this Plan, including directives from the District’s COVID-19 Compliance Team (The Street Consulting), is mandatory for all persons entering campus. Failure to comply in any material respect will result in immediate removal from campus, and where appropriate, discipline, expulsion, or termination.

All persons entering campus shall immediately report any COVID-19 hazards observed while on campus (e.g., violations of these protocols) to the COVID-19 Compliance Team or Campus Safety Director. No person making such a report will be subject to discipline or reprisal.

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Health Screenings

Symptoms of COVID-19

Persons with COVID-19 may experience a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

Individuals who experience COVID-19 symptoms, receive a positive COVID-19 test, receive a doctor’s diagnosis of likely or presumed COVID-19, or persons who have been in “close contact” with a person who has received a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis, must notify the COVID-19 Compliance Team (see Campus Resources for details) and must follow the protocols set forth in COVID-19 Exposure Protocol. “Close contact” is defined as someone who (a) shares the same airspace in smaller-sized indoor settings (e.g., classrooms, offices, and other similar-sized indoor spaces) with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or (b) shares the same airspace in large indoor settings (e.g., dining halls, lecture halls, auditoriums) with the infected period, provided that the affected individual(s) is/are (i) in a pre-defined or identifiable group (e.g., teammates, club members, cohort, etc.) or (ii) within six (6) feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Persons with an outdoor exposure on campus are not considered close contacts. Symptomatic persons should contact their healthcare provider immediately and should not report to campus. Should symptoms present while on campus, such persons should leave campus immediately and contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team; if immediate departure is not possible, such persons should contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team for guidance and wait in designated containment areas until departure from campus can be arranged.

Symptom and Temperature Self-Monitoring

The District requires all persons entering District campuses to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever. By entering campus, individuals certify they are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is experiencing symptoms, they are not permitted to enter campus. Signs will be posted at all entrances to campus advising of this requirement.

In addition to, or in place of, self-monitoring, the District may in its sole discretion require in-person contactless temperature screenings at various points of entry on campus. Persons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry to campus consistent with public health ordinances and guidelines, and as permitted under state and federal anti-discrimination laws. To the extent any health information is collected, it will be kept in strict confidence and only designated individuals will have access to it.

Employees who are excluded from campus should contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team or Human Resources to discuss options for the use of available leave and other benefit entitlements. Students should contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team or the Student Health and Wellness Center to discuss available community resources.

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Face Coverings

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can be spread through the air when an infectious person talks, sneezes, coughs, or exhales. COVID-19 may also be transmitted when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Additionally, not everyone who is infected develops symptoms, but they may remain infectious. As such, public health officials advise that face coverings are an effective tool for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are not required, but are encouraged, for asymptomatic individuals on campus.

To ensure that face coverings are worn consistently and correctly when necessary, employees are discouraged from eating or drinking except during their breaks when they are able to safely remove their face coverings away from others. Students may, but are not required to unless mandated by the activity, wear respirators or eye protection.

Availability of Medical-Grade or Higher Face Masks

The District will provide, at no cost, appropriate medical grade face coverings to all employees and students who must report to campus and who are required by these protocols to wear a face covering, or, upon request. Employees and students also have the option to use their own compliant face covering if preferred. The District will have a limited supply of N95 masks (i.e., respirators) available for employees. Employees may request from the Facilities Department an N95 mask from the District at no cost. Employees may find instructions on how to wear an N95 mask and how to perform seal checks here. 

Upon their initial return to campus employees and students should come prepared with their own personal face covering. if they choose to wear one or if required to wear a face covering by these protocols. If needed, employees should arrange to pick up an additional supply of appropriate face coverings from either the Valencia campus warehouse (regular business hours from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Quad 1 at Canyon Country campus, at the marked kiosks around campus, or from their supervisor, and should keep and maintain the supply for future use. While the District will have a limited supply of face coverings available, availability of face coverings will be limited and employees, students, and visitors shall not abuse this privilege.

Proper Use and Maintenance

Employees and students must use face coverings whenever mandated by these protocols. Face coverings must cover both the nose and mouth and may not be shared with others. When not in use, face coverings should not be laid on any surface that may contaminate either the covering or the surface. Individuals should wash hands or use hand sanitizers before and after removing the covering and should not touch their face when adjusting throughout the day. Employees and students are responsible for maintaining District-issued face coverings in proper condition, including washing face coverings daily (for cloth face coverings) or otherwise wearing a fresh face covering each day. Disposable face coverings must be disposed of in an appropriate waste receptacle.

Exemptions

Individuals required to wear a face covering by these protocols, but who are unable to do so due to a medical condition, should consult with their healthcare provider about requesting accommodations. The individual may then make a request for accommodations to the COVID-19 Compliance Team. The District will grant exemptions to the mandatory use of face coverings on campus only to the extent consistent with public health guidelines. Individuals whose medical condition permits them to wear a face shield with draping will be required to do so.

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Physical Distancing

The District has undertaken efforts to reduce crowding, especially in indoor settings. Visitors, staff, and students are encouraged to distance from others when possible, whether indoors or outdoors, and regardless of vaccination status, to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Where feasible, the District will leave physical partitions, including Plexiglas, in place to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

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Disinfection, Cleaning and Hygiene

The District complies with orders from the LADPH, CDC, Cal/OSHA and OSHA relating to disinfection, cleaning, and hygiene on District campuses. The District has instituted the following procedures to evaluate, identify, and remediate COVID-19 hazards on an ongoing basis. As a part of these efforts, the District and individual members of the campus community are each obligated to separately perform certain cleaning and disinfection functions, detailed here:

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• The District will regularly clean frequently touched objects and surfaces. This includes doorknobs, elevator buttons, equipment, tools, handrails, handles, controls, phones, headsets, bathroom surfaces, and steering wheels. The District requires that personal workstations be cleaned by the applicable user and will provide appropriate cleaning products for use. The Facilities Department will handle cleaning of communal spaces, and will do so at least daily.
• When sharing of materials or objects is necessary, persons using the materials or objects should take personal responsibility to clean them between use according to appropriate sanitizing protocols and using EPA-approved disinfectants.
• Individuals must immediately dispose of garbage, food wrappers, beverages, etc., in trash bins after use.

Hygiene

• Avoid touching face, eyes, and mouth with hands.
• Sharing of materials or objects (e.g., staplers, pens, coffee mugs, etc.) is discouraged.
• Where feasible, the District will provide hand sanitizing products for employees.
• The District has posted throughout the campuses signs and other communications to promote good hygiene and respiratory etiquette and remind employees, students, and visitors of expectations.
• Individuals should cough into a tissue and then immediately dispose of the tissue in a trash receptacle. If no tissues are available, individuals should cough into their elbow. Individuals should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer (≥60% alcohol) after coughing.
• The District strongly recommends all persons receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots when eligible. Information from LADPH can be found here; the state vaccine portal can be found here.

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COVID-19 Exposure Protocols

Employees or students who experience COVID-19 symptoms, receive a positive COVID-19 test, or receive a doctor’s diagnosis of likely or presumed COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider and the COVID-19 Compliance Team immediately for further guidance and should not report to campus. Employees or students who have been in “close contact” (as defined in Health Screenings) with a person who has received a positive COVID-19 test, must immediately notify the COVID-19 Compliance Team and await further guidance. Quarantined and isolated individuals should expect to be contacted by LADPH as well. Persons who have taken a COVID-19 test due to suspected symptoms or after contact with an ill individual and are awaiting notification of the results may not report to campus unless otherwise instructed by the COVID-19 Compliance Team.**

Whether and for how long employees and students have to isolate and or quarantine depends on whether or not they are asymptomatic. The following chart explains the current isolation, quarantine, masking, and testing requirements. Because circumstances may vary, the COVID-19 Compliance Team will direct all employees and students as to their isolation or quarantine requirements. Failure to comply with the COVID-19 Compliance Team’s directives in any material respect will result in immediate removal from campus, and where appropriate, discipline, expulsion, or termination.

Isolation – Confirmed or Presumed Positive Case of COVID-19
Do You Have Symptoms?	How Long Do You Have to Isolate For?	Mask Requirements
Yes	Must stay home until: Testing Option* At least 5 days have passed since your symptoms first started (“Day 1” is the day after you first experienced symptoms); and You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours; and Your symptoms are improving; and You have a negative COVID-19 test collected on Day 5 or later. Non-Testing Option At least 10 days have passed since your symptoms first started; and You have not had a fever for at least 24 hours; and Your symptoms are improving.	Wear a well-fitted, non-cloth mask, both indoors and outdoors for a total of 10 days while you are around others. The mask should be medical grade (surgical or respirator).
No	Must stay home until: Testing Option* At least 5 days have passed since your initial positive test was taken (“Day 1” is the day after your positive test was taken); You have a negative COVID-19 test collected on Day 5 or later. No symptoms have developed. Non-Testing Option At least 10 days have passed since your initial positive test and no symptoms have developed. Note: If you develop symptoms during the isolation period, you must follow the “Yes” row above and your isolation period will restart from the day symptoms first arose.	Wear a well-fitted, non-cloth mask, both indoors and outdoors for a total of 10 days while you are around others. The mask should be medical grade mask (surgical or respirator).

 

Quarantine – Close Contact with COVID-19 Positive Person
Have Symptoms?	How Long Do I Have To Quarantine For?	Testing Requirements	Mask Requirements	Is There Anything Else I Need to Do?
No	Assuming you do not develop symptoms, you do not have to quarantine. Where feasible, maintain a 6-foot distance from others within the workplace/campus.	While quarantine is not required, it is highly recommended to test for COVID-19 immediately. You must test again with an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test within 3 to 5 days since the last date of exposure.	Must wear a well-fitted, non-cloth mask, indoors for a total of 10 days while you are around others. The mask should be medical grade or higher (e.g., surgical or respirator).	Monitor yourself for symptoms for 10 days following your last exposure.
Yes	Follow Isolation requirements	Follow Isolation requirements	Follow Isolation requirements	Follow Isolation requirements

 

*The test to leave isolation of quarantine must be an FDA-authorized viral COVID-19 test (e.g., NAAT, PCR or Antigen test). The District will generally accept over-the-counter at-home tests provided that the results can be independently verified by the District’s COVID-19 Compliance Team, such as through a date-stamped photograph.

**Individuals who have recently recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days are not required to quarantine after a close contact exposure regardless of vaccination status, unless symptoms develop.

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Campus Exposure and Contact Tracing

Consistent with the guidance from public health officials, the District has developed contact tracing protocols to track possible infection spread and notify impacted campus community members and local public health authorities as required. Persons responsible for the management and oversight of the contact tracing protocols will be fully trained.

Notification and Investigation Process

Persons with a confirmed or presumed positive case of COVID-19 must notify the COVID-19 Compliance Team immediately (see COVID-19 Exposure Protocols) so that the District can ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and contact tracing. Such persons should leave campus immediately or wait in a designated containment area until transportation can be arranged. The District’s COVID-19 Compliance Team will contact the individual to conduct a detailed, confidential interview to identify the timing of onset of symptoms, all persons with whom the affected individual has had “close contact” (as defined in Health Screenings), and all areas used by the affected individual(s). The COVID-19 Compliance Team will advise all exposed individuals to receive COVID-19 testing if necessary and will provide instructions as to whether exclusion from campus is necessary and when such persons will be permitted to return to campus. Where necessary or prudent, a group exposure notification will occur. A group is considered to have been potentially exposed to a case during the infectious period if they shared the same small indoor airspace with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period in a non-residential setting while on campus. The District will determine whether additional notification is needed to inform the wider campus community about the exposure and precautions being taken. The District will generally not advise the wider campus community of an isolated instance of a COVID-19 diagnosis (unless such persons are close contacts) unless such is deemed necessary for community health and safety.

The District will within one (1) business day promptly notify campus community members with close contact to the confirmed or presumed positive case of COVID-19 of potential exposure via email or telephone call using their last known contact information. Employees and students must provide the most up-to-date contact information to ensure prompt communication. Contact information should be updated through My Canyons. The broader campus community will be made aware of the general location of the positive case. The District will advise impacted campus community members of their obligations for self-isolation (i.e., separation of sick individuals from others) or self-quarantine (i.e., separation and restriction of movement of persons who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick). The District will make all efforts to keep the identity and testing status of such persons confidential. While persons may be able to ascertain the identity of affected individuals by virtue of their absence from campus or other information learned during the interview process, the District will not disclose a positive COVID-19 diagnosis to other campus community members or to the public.

Testing for Outbreaks and Major Outbreaks

In the event of an “outbreak,” defined as three (3) or more epidemiologically-linked positive COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period within the same “group” (group includes social organizations, worksites, classes, sports teams, etc.) and that originated from individuals who do not have close contact outside of on campus activities, or a “major outbreak,” defined as twenty (20) or more COVID-19 cases in an exposed group within a 30-day period, the District will comply with all testing requirements. Generally, in the event of an outbreak, all unvaccinated employees physically present in the exposed workplace will be tested immediately, again one week later, and each week thereafter until the outbreak has subsided. Impacted students should also test. In the event of a major outbreak, employee testing will be performed twice a week until the risk is abated, unless more frequent testing is required by LADPH. For employees, all testing will be performed during paid time and at no cost. Contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team for further details.   

When required, the District will notify LADPH of cases established by a positive test result and follow all directives. The District will determine whether to cease in-person instruction consistent with LADPH directives.

Available Resources

The District will work with students to identify available community services and resources, and will provide options for remote online education, including asynchronous delivery to accommodate ill or quarantined students, as well as those with technology or travel constraints.

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Vaccinations

Based on guidance from public health officials, the District believes that vaccinations, including booster shots when individuals are eligible, are a critical tool for reducing risk of infection among employees, visitors, and students. Public health officials have indicated that the vaccine is safe and highly effective and the Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”) has fully approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for ages 16+. Vaccines are now widely available to all individuals age 5 and older. Primary vaccine series alone provide very limited protection against infection with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, while a booster dose can greatly improve that level of protection.

The District encourages those persons with questions or concerns about the vaccine to visit the CDC’s website for the most up-to-date information about efficacy and safety. Further information about vaccine availability and to sign up for an appointment can be located here.

Employees who have not yet been vaccinated and wish to take time away from work to get vaccinated should contact Human Resources for available options.

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Training

Prior to the initial entry to campus, and in compliance with Cal/OSHA requirements, the District will provide access to online training to employees via Keenan Safe Colleges and to students via a notice from the District to ensure they understand the risks of COVID-19 and precautions against infection (including proper respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene, use of face coverings, etc.). The District, via its COVID-19 website, will make available its procedures and guidelines related to the pandemic, as well as a copy of this Plan.

All persons responsible for implementation of any of the District’s COVID-19 safety protocols will receive additional mandatory training prior to commencement of their duties.

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Modified Safe Workspaces

The District, in consultation with advice from qualified experts, has modified office spaces, classrooms, and public spaces to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Where further adjustments are deemed necessary, District Administration must approve any physical relocation of employees’ workspaces; moving of furniture, large office equipment, or requesting technology resources which require installation support from the IT Department; or significant physical adjustments to workspaces (e.g., Plexiglas or other barriers).

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Availability of Facilities and Services

The District has reopened all facilities since California lifted most COVID-19 restrictions.

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Reasonable Accommodations

The District will engage in an interactive process and consider reasonable accommodations for employees and students who are categorized as being at higher risk of COVID-19 infection and complications. Vulnerable employees should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. The District will consider requests for accommodation consistent with applicable law and operational need. While the District will consider requests for accommodations based on an employee’s or student’s cohabitation with a high-risk individual, such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis after consideration of all relevant factors. Contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team for details.

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Food and Beverage Services

On-campus food and beverage options are reopened. Whenever eating and drinking on campus, all persons should adhere to proper sanitation and hygiene standards and should follow posted signage.

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Links to Public Health Guidance and Resources

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Campus Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How did the District develop the protocols contained in the COVID-19 Containment, Response and Control Plan (Plan) and when and why will it be updated?

  The Plan reflects the input and work of the Santa Clarita Community College District (District), together with guidance from qualified legal, medical, and technical experts, to facilitate the safe return of employees and students to College of the Canyons’ Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. The Plan is drawn in conformity with the protocols established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (LADPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies such as the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The Plan is subject to further revision consistent with then-current public health guidance and based on operational needs.

• Who do I contact if I have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close physical contact with someone who has a confirmed or presumed positive case of COVID-19?

  All persons who have symptoms should contact their own healthcare provider, or, where necessary 9-1-1. Persons without a doctor or without health insurance should contact 2-1-1 for available community resources. If you do not have insurance, you may contact LADPH for the location of a free testing center here. After you have reached out to your healthcare provider or LADPH:

  • Employees should also contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team at (661) 993-7670 to report symptoms or a positive case of COVID-19 and should contact Human Resources for available leave information. You will be provided with additional instructions at that time.
  • Students should contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team at (661) 993-7670. The COVID-19 Compliance Team, in conjunction with the Student Health and Wellness Center, will work with you to help identify available community resources.
• When should I check my symptoms in anticipation of coming to campus?

  The District has eliminated the requirement that all entrants to campus must complete the Online Health Screening Questionnaire. However, you must still monitor for symptoms daily before arrival to campus. In addition to self-monitoring, the District may, in its discretion, require in-person temperature screenings if it deems necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

• If I am experiencing one of more symptoms of COVID-19, am I automatically barred from campus?

  Yes, until you receive further direction from the COVID-19 Compliance Team. If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, please reference the COVID-19 Exposure Protocols. Generally, you will be prohibited from returning to campus until either you meet the isolation requirements established by public health officials, OR you receive and submit a doctors’ certification stating that, based on sound medical judgment, the symptoms you are experiencing are not attributable to COVID-19 and that you pose no risk of infection to others. Employees or students who experience chronic illnesses which typically present with similar symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., persons who suffer from frequent migraines or persons who regularly experience shortness of breath as a result of asthma) are encouraged to discuss with their healthcare provider differentiating such symptoms from COVID-19. The District will generally rely upon the certification of a healthcare provider, but the District reserves its right to seek a secondary medical opinion if deemed necessary to prevent against the potential spread of infection.

• How long will I have to stay away from campus if I am quarantining or isolating due to symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test, or exposure to a confirmed or presumed positive case of COVID-19?

  Your return-to-campus timeline will depend on several factors, including whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Please refer to the Isolation and Quarantine Chart, which contains details on quarantine and isolation. Further directives may be issued by the COVID-19 Compliance Team.

• For Employees Only – Will I continue to be paid if I must take a leave from work due to having symptoms or being exposed to the virus?

  The District will offer sick leave to eligible employees in accordance with local, state, and federal law. Employees have a set amount of paid leave available for COVID-19 purposes, which they may elect to use for qualifying reasons. If an employee is exposed at work, the District will ensure the employees’ earnings, benefits, and seniority are maintained during a period of exclusion from campus. Contact Human Resources for more details or see here.

• How does contact tracing work and will I be identified to other students or employees if I disclose symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result?

  Where necessary and appropriate, the District will initiate limited contact tracing (i.e., within the campus community) for confirmed and presumed positive cases of COVID-19. Please reference the Campus Exposure and Contract Tracing portion of the Plan. In general, the District will interview the COVID-19 positive individual to determine which spaces and individuals they came in close contact with so that the District can notify those individuals and take appropriate remedial measures. “Close contact” is defined as someone who (a) shares the same airspace in smaller-sized indoor settings (e.g., classrooms, offices, and other similar-sized indoor spaces) with the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, or (b) shares the same airspace in large indoor settings (e.g., dining halls, lecture halls, auditoriums) with the infected period, provided that the affected individual(s) is/are (i) in a pre-defined or identifiable group (e.g., teammates, club members, cohort, etc.) or (ii) within six (6) feet of the infected person for 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Persons with an outdoor exposure on campus are not considered close contacts. Your identity and testing status will be maintained in strict confidence and will not be disclosed to your coworkers or other students. The District may continue its contact tracing efforts by interviewing relevant individuals about who they came in contact with and what spaces they recently used. Some of those individuals may be advised to stay home due to a higher risk of having been infected.

• If there is a case of confirmed or presumed positive COVID-19 within a classroom, will all persons in the class be directed to leave campus and self-quarantine?
  The District will make the determination as to whether an entire class will be asked to leave campus and self-quarantine based on the specific factual circumstances presented and consistent with public health guidance. At a minimum, those students and instructors within a class who come in close contact (defined above) with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 will be required to follow the guidelines for testing and masking.
• Is personal or District-related travel restricted?

  No, but all individuals should check CDC travel guidelines when planning a trip and note any additional recommended precautions. Fully vaccinated individuals may be exempt from travel quarantine requirements depending on official public health guidance.

• Will I be required to receive a vaccine for influenza, and will these shots be made available on campus?

  All persons who report to campus are encouraged to receive the annual influenza immunization unless contraindicated by personal medical conditions. You should check the District’s COVID-19 website for availability of influenza vaccinations on campus during the flu season. You may also access influenza vaccines from your primary healthcare provider or local pharmacy once they become available.

• Am I required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and booster?

  The District encourages but does not mandate that all employees and students receive their COVID-19 vaccine and booster, when eligible.

• For Employees Only – Am I required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination/booster status?
  Not at this time, but the District may revive this requirement at any time as mandated by law or advised by public health officials. If you are required to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the following are acceptable forms of proof of full vaccination status: a photographic identification and either a vaccination card (which includes the name of the individual vaccinated, type of COVID-19 vaccine provided and date last dose administered) OR a photo of the individual’s vaccination card as a separate document OR a photo of the individual’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device OR documentation of full vaccination against COVID-19 certified from a healthcare provider (which includes name of individual vaccinated and confirms they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19) OR a copy of medical records documenting the vaccination OR a copy of immunization records from a public health, state, or tribal immunization information system.
• What should I do if I suspect someone is violating the District’s protocols?

  If you believe you have observed a violation of the District’s safety protocols, please report it. The District will take appropriate steps to address any violations of its policies and procedures, including removing violators from campus. For alleged violations committed by employees, please contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team; for alleged violations committed by students, please contact the COVID-19 Compliance Team or Campus Safety.

• What should I do if I am feeling stressed, anxious, isolated, or down?
  These are incredibly challenging times for all of us. It is normal to feel sad or isolated, and to experience more stress than you would normally. You can find strategies for coping with stress during infectious disease outbreaks that required social distancing here. If you need to speak with someone about your mental health, contact your doctor or the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Access Center 24/7 Helpline at (800) 854-7771, which is also available 24/7. If you are experiencing these feelings, or have thoughts about self-harm*, please call the national distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990, or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746. The District also has a list of resources that you can go to for help. The District and the COC community are here for you, and we will all get through this together.

   

  *If you are in an emergency situation, please call 9-1-1 immediately.