Laney College COVID-19 Announcement

Dear Laney Community:

On Saturday and Sunday, the College learned of two separate individuals who were on the Laney campus in different areas that have tested positive for COVID-19. Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, both individuals will remain off-campus for at least five days from the date of the positive test result and may return once they are no longer symptomatic.

The individual who reported testing positive on Saturday had last been on campus on Friday the 20th. As they were in an instructional area in the lower B Building, Facilities and Campus Operations was informed for immediate follow-up cleaning and sanitization.

The individual who reported testing positive on Sunday was last on campus on Wednesday the 18th. When they reported their positive result to a Laney College administrator, they also informed the College that they had not been in close contact with anyone. For this instance, Facilities and Campus Operations followed up with immediate cleaning and sanitization earlier today.

Per CDC and ACPHD guidelines, both individuals will remain off-campus for at least five days from today and then may return if they are no longer symptomatic. Also, this individual’s information will be forwarded to the County and as a precaution, employees also working in possibly affected areas of the college are being notified. As there is not any indication of close contact, no areas of the college are being moved to remote work and services.

While privacy guidelines preclude me from providing additional descriptive information, please know that the PCCD Office of Human Resources has been apprised of the positive test result so that they can notify the Alameda County Public Health Department and Cal/OSHA. In compliance with our district guidelines, I will continue to report COVID-19 cases as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone safe and informed.

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 that covers your nose and mouth when coming to campus.

• 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, your Vice President, 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.

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, including testing availability through the four college campuses and the PCCD office.

We appreciate everyone continuing to do their best to support our students and colleagues.

Thank you and take care.

Rudy Besikof
President
Laney College