A message from the president of Laney College about COVID-19
Dear Laney Colleagues,
I am writing to inform you of two confirmed positive COVID-19 tests.
The health and well-being of our students and employees are paramount. If you develop flu or other symptoms including dry cough and fever, please contact your medical provider. As a response to protect everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification. While we cannot identify the individuals who tested positive for the virus because of privacy laws, we have gathered the names of those few students and employees that worked in proximity with the two individuals who tested positive.
One student reported testing positive at the beginning of the week who was last on campus on November 16. Following our protocols for safety, those who interacted with the student have already been contacted, advised to self-quarantine and follow up with their health care provider. All on-campus activities for that group have also been suspended for the remainder of the semester, and as of now, no further positive tests have been reported.
Yesterday evening an employee in another area of the College also reported testing positive. This individual is self-quarantining and reported to the College that they had had contact with four individuals on campus. Following our protocols for safety, they have been advised to self-quarantine, follow up with their health care provider, and will not be returning to campus until the quarantine period is over and negative testing is confirmed.
We are continuing to monitor both situations, and at this time, I ask that you not make unnecessary trips to Laney College or any campus unless you are performing essential functions. I urge all employees to follow the Campus Access steps as previously shared by Vice President Pinto. You may find them pasted below this message for reference.
The Laney College campus is officially closed until May 29, 2021, with exceptions made for individuals performing essential roles on campus.
We ask that you abide by Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines to protect your health and those around you. They are as follows:
Abide by state guidelines as it relates to counties in the Purple Tier. Also, please observe the curfew that was part of the Limited Stay-at-Home Order by Governor Newsom.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Follow all recommendations provided by the CDC.
If you have medical questions, please contact your health care provider. Students with concerns can contact the Roots Clinic at (510) 533-1248 (please provide your student ID during the call).
If you, or someone in your household, shows COVID-19 related symptoms, please notify Human Resources, your immediate supervisor, Vice President Derek Pinto, or me. Be assured that we will maintain confidentiality to the highest degree possible.
As everyone’s health and safety are our priority, we will continue to assess the situation and provide updates.
For any further questions, please contact Administrative Services at dpinto@peralta.edu. Also, please visit https://safe.peralta.edu/ for the most up-to-date information and resources regarding COVID-19 for students, faculty/staff, and the community.
We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Rudy Besikof
President
Laney College