COVID-19 Information

Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Dear 4CD Colleagues,

Welcome as we get ready to begin the Fall 2022 Semester!

The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic have been trying for us all, but we have learned to adapt and to grow in new ways in service to our students. Now we are challenged to strive forward in a COVID-integrated world, in which COVID-19 and its subvariants are likely here to stay for the foreseeable future. We have engaged in collaborative conversations with various leaders and stakeholders across 4CD to assess the most thoughtful approach as it pertains to our COVID-19 protocols. The simple truth is there is no perfect solution, and so our approach has been to provide a series of options that allow us to maximize access, remain cognizant of health and safety protocols, and ultimately fulfill our mission to empower all students to fulfill their educational and career aspirations. As such, we have decided to align with Contra Costa County Health Services (CCHS) masking guidelines, effective August 15, 2022. At present, CCHS strongly encourages, but does not mandate, masking when indoors .

We do not make this decision lightly, but we also recognize that the COVID-integrated environment must now include a combination of communal safeguards and personal choices, rather than the mandates and shelter-in-place orders of the early pandemic. We realize that some among us may have health-related concerns about working on campus, particularly in classrooms and small office environments. We cannot guarantee that no one will catch COVID or even a common cold. We can and do commit to upholding CCHS-recommended safety measures, including promoting voluntary mask wearing, encouraging vaccination, and having plenty of free masks and self-test kits at every work site for anyone who needs or wants them. Should you have questions or feel you have specific concerns regarding this decision, please discuss them with your supervisor.

4CD will also send a communication to students about this change in our masking mandate and how to stay safe and healthy. This will include encouraging students to stay home when they are sick. For those of you who work with students, you may want to consider the options listed below.

• In-person classes: In the spirit of actively encouraging masking, faculty who have a strong preference can share with students why masking is important to them, how it helps to prevent the spread of the virus, and thank their students often for their cooperation. Faculty might request that masking be integrated into the class culture, just as it is customary to promote a sense of community and mutual respect.

• Counseling appointments and other in-office visits: Faculty and staff may strongly encourage students to mask and communicate this recommendation during the appointment-making process. It would be appropriate for office areas to post signage encouraging students to put on masks before entering.

• Libraries, tutoring centers, and student support areas: Service areas may strongly encourage students who will be in close quarters with an employee to wear a mask. For example, to receive services at the counter from the reference desk librarian or an admissions staff member, the student can be notified that masking is preferred. Online service options are also an alternative for those who prefer to be unmasked.

Most importantly, all members of our 4CD community are (and will continue to be) encouraged to be respectful of each other's comfort level regarding masking, and the need to protect oneself and the health and safety of others.

Vaccination

There is no change in the student and employee vaccination requirements for the Fall 2022 semester. We will continue to require full vaccination for employees. Since April 2022, students registering for all in-person classes and services have been required to upload their proof of vaccination.

For more COVID-19 information, visit: www.4cd.edu/covid19 or the CCHS website at https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/prevention.

Thank you for your flexibility during the pandemic over the last few years, and for serving our students!