Laney College COVID-19 Update

Dear Laney Community, 

I am writing to inform you that late last night the College was informed of two students who tested positive for COVID-19.  To protect everyone’s health and safety in compliance with the law, this message serves as notification, though we cannot identify the individuals who tested positive for the virus due to privacy laws.

The students were taking part in a group activity that was on campus Monday and following protocols.  Both students reported positive tests to College employees on the same day, with Laney College administration being informed later that evening.  The two students will remain off campus for ten days and per policy can return with a negative test result after that time period has lapsed, and contact tracing measures will commence, with those in contact being notified and advised of quarantining procedures.

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.   

Laney College remains closed with exceptions until August 22, 2021, and per policy, access must be requested and employees must then exercise the precautions when coming to campus.   Employees who have business on campus should submit the Campus Access Request Form - https://tinyurl.com/y6h37bee - so that their supervisor may review. 

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:  

·         Please wear a mask when coming to campus.

·         Abide by state guidelines (https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/).  

·         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 should there be further developments.   

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