Laney College COVID-19 Announcement

Dear Laney Community, 

I am writing to inform you that a student has reported testing positive for COVID-19.  As it is a confirmed positive result, the College is obligated by law to communicate this with the campus community.  College administration learned of this yesterday, and to protect everyone’s health and safety, this message serves as notification, though we cannot identify the individual who tested positive for the virus due to privacy laws.

On March 16, 2021, a Laney College employee reported a student had tested positive, reporting it the same day. The student has been asked to remain in quarantine until such time as they have a confirmed negative and medical clearance to return to campus, being asked to remain off-campus for 10 days per CDC guidelines.   In addition to the student, a group of students who were in proximity were notified and will also cease activity on campus for 10 days.  

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.   

During this time of both Red Tier status, 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 through the Summer 2021 semester, with exceptions made for individuals performing essential roles or requesting access to campus through the Laney request process.  

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 Red Tier.  

§  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