Laney College COVID-19 update
Dear Laney Colleagues,
I am writing to inform you of two confirmed positive COVID-19 tests from October that were confirmed by the College today. These are different than the ones that were reported in my email of 11/25/2020.
Laney senior leadership did not learn about them until last Friday evening, and they were confirmed earlier today. As they are now confirmed, we are obligated by law to share with the campus community.
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, though we cannot identify the individuals who tested positive for the virus due to privacy laws.
o On October 28, 2020 a student taking a lab class on campus tested positive. The student had not been to campus since Friday 10/16. No other students/staff reported being symptomatic.
o Another student enrolled in a lab class informed their instructor of a positive test on October 15, 2020 after informing their instructor of possible exposure three days earlier. This student had last attended on October 8 and self-quarantined for 10 days. The instructor reported that safety protocols were in place and no other student had close contact with the affected student. In addition, no other students have since been symptomatic.
During this time of both Purple Tier status and a Stay Home Order through January 4, 2021, please avoid making unnecessary trips to Laney College or any campus unless you are performing essential functions. Employees who have such urgent business on campus should submit the Campus Access Request Form - https://tinyurl.com/y6h37bee - so that their supervisor may review.
The Laney College campus remains 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 Stay-at-Home order from the state: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/12/03/california-health-officials-announce-a-regional-stay-at-home-order-triggered-by-icu-capacity/
· 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